Schools not sites of major COVID-19 transmission, Fraser Health says

SURREY (NEWS 1130) — B.C.’s largest health authority released a study Monday which shows COVID-19 did not easily pass through the school community earlier this year.

Fraser Health’s Public Health Unit looked at COVID-19 cases reported between January and June of this year, and found 90 per cent of cases in Surrey schools originated in households or the community, not in schools.

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In findings released Tuesday, the health authority says school staff accounted for 11 per cent of the cases, “And students 89 per cent, which is expected as students make up the majority of the school population.”

Fraser Health says once COVID-19 vaccinations were available to eligible staff in Surrey schools, there was a noticeable drop in cases among those aged 18 and over.

“Student cases declined as cases fell in the community, largely reflecting increasing vaccination coverage over time,” the release reads.

Across the entire health region between January and March of this year, there were 2,049 confirmed COVID-19 cases, where just under 20 per cent were associated with a school.

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On Tuesday, the provincial government announced masks will again be required in all B.C. schools this coming school year. Masks will be required in all indoor areas of schools, including classrooms and on buses, for students Grade 4 and up, as well as teachers and staff. Kindergarten to Grade 3 students will continue to be encouraged, but not required, to wear masks.

“This means students can look forward to a resumption of safe, in-person, full-time learning, extra-curricular activities, sports, arts, performing arts, and music. We also know they’re also looking forward to seeing their friends, teachers, librarians, coaches, and all of the other school staff,” Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside says.

Whiteside also made note that $87.5 million in provincial and federal funding has been put towards improving air quality in B.C. schools. She says 44 of B.C.’s 60 schools districts have upgraded their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Fraser Health says less that one per cent of the approximate 315,000 staff and students in the region contracted COVID-19.

The health body does note the Delta variant was not widespread in the community during the analysis period, however it will be monitoring cases when schools resume next month.