Kelowna one of few B.C. school districts with COVID-19 mandate

The Central Okanagan Public School District is one of just a handful in B.C. to issue a COVID-19 health mandate for students, staff, and faculty.

The move comes shortly after Delta’s school district required vaccinations for all employees. Few districts are taking such decisive actions regarding COVID-19 rules during the spread of Omicron.

Important info for BCTF members from @TeriMooring re:
– revised WSBC requirements for COVID-19 claims
– how to get support with your WSBC claim
– process & criteria for refusing unsafe work
– where to find health & safety guidance#bced

Read it here: https://t.co/517hz5aC0K pic.twitter.com/JHbKsL8o8r

— BCTF (@bctf) January 27, 2022

In Kelowna, the Central Okanagan Public School District’s policy includes a communicable disease plan, daily health checks, and protocols for how to close to in-person learning. The district also posts ventilation reports and updated transportation safety plans.

“Central Okanagan Public Schools’ top priority is always the safety of our staff and students,” reads the school district’s website.

“The Provincial Health Officer, the Ministry of Education, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and Interior Health guide our decisions and planning. Thank you for demonstrating the kindness, patience, and courage that our children must see as we move forward and learn together.”

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The Central Okanagan Public School District’s Communicable Disease Plan was released on Jan. 8. It is detailed, nearly 30 pages long, and outlines infection prevention and exposure control measures, the formation of a site-based joint occupational health and safety committee, and steps to take after school closures.

If schools do go fully online, families must be ready to receive notifications and have alternate plans for child care.

Alerts will be sent via email and/or text as soon as staff determine the need to suspend in-person learning.

On Jan. 7, District Superintendent Kevin Kardaal sent a message to families about these changes.

#sd23contributors! https://t.co/206wr4uhVn

— Central Okanagan Public Schools (@SD23News) December 6, 2021

“In the case that schools are unable to safely supervise all students due to staff absences, families will need to collect their children promptly,” he said.

“As we manage potential changes to the delivery of education, including suspensions of in-person learning, we ask that families stay vigilant for school and district communication over the coming weeks.”

The district regularly posts updates on its website.