Background - First Nations Education Steering Committee ... · Web view2020/09/25 · Parents and...

First Nation Schools Reopening Considerations and Template

Draft March 2, 2021

Updates to the previous version are highlighted in yellow

First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association

Find this document and furtherresources at www.fnesc.ca/covid19 and

www.fnsa.ca/covid19

http://www.fnsa.ca/covid19

http://www.fnesc.ca/covid19

Summary of Substantive Changes

Section of FNESC/FNSA Resource

Pages Key Changes

2.0 Learning Groups 10-13 Guidance about assigning staff members to a single Learning Group has been added. The recommended distance between people has been updated.

3.0 Classrooms, Programs and Activities

14-17 Physical education, music classes, and extracurricular activity guidance has been added, including recommendations for distancing and mask use. Fire drill recommendations have also been added.

4.0 Physical Distancing and Traffic Flows

18-20 Recommendations on limiting school visitors have been added.

5.0 Student Transportation on Buses

21-22 Bus-related mask guidance has been added as well as recommendations about opening windows, bus cleaning, and disinfecting.

6.0 School Gatherings 23 Recommendations for health and safety relating to staff meetings and professional development activities have been added.

7.0 Extracurricular Activities 24-25 Changes have been made to align with public health guidance relating to physical distancing, and mask wearing.

9.0 Hand Hygiene 27-28 Guidance has been added for procedures when soap and water are not available, as well as advice relating to playgrounds.

11.0 Daily Health Checks 30-33 Requirements for staff to complete an active daily health check and for schools to verify that the check was done have been added. Information is provided on the K-12 Health Check app that parents and students can use.

12.0 Illness at Home 34-35 Details have been added about when staff, students, or other persons must stay home and when they can return to school after illness. Recommendations around previously diagnosed conditions (e.g. allergies) have been added.

13.0 Illness at School 36-37 Recommendations about supervising younger children who become ill at school have been added.

14.0 Cleaning and Disinfection 38-39 The guidance on laminated paper-based product cleaning and disinfection has changed and there is additional information about frequently touched items, including those that can’t easily be cleaned.

15.0 Students with Medical Complexity, Immune Suppression, or Receiving Delegated Care

40 Details have been added about the use of PPE when providing health services.

16.0 Students with Disabilities and Diverse Abilities

41-42 Recommendations for using barriers and using clear masks when visual/facial communication is necessary have been added.

2First Nation Schools Reopening Considerations and Template, Draft, Updated March 2, 2021

17.0 Non-Medical Masks 43-47 Mask guidance has significantly changed, including when a mask should be worn by students, staff, and other adults in the school. Specific guidance relating to physical education sports, music classes, and working with students with who need visual/facial cues has been added.

18.0 Staff Safety 48-49 Guidance regarding staff safety in staff only spaces, including break times, has been added.

19.0 Communication, Training and Orientation

50-53 Information about a new BCCDC website is added as well as additional information about schools using positive and inclusive approaches to support students in practicing personal preventative measures. Communication considerations for staff, students, and families have been added from the FNESC/FNSA Health and Safety Orientation Checklist.

20.0 Training and Orientation n/a Section 20.0 has been removed from this resource. Section 19.0 now consolidates information previously contained in section 20.0.

Appendix A: Further Information

54-55 WorkSafeBC Protocols for K-12 Education have been moved into “Other Resources.”


Background

The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) developed this resource to support BC First Nations that decide to partially or fully reopen their school facilities for the 2020/2021 school year. This document contains important health and safety considerations related to school operations as well as a planning template that may be used by First Nations while working toward their school’s reopening.

FNESC and FNSA will continue to support First Nations who choose to deliver educational services through a variety of alternative means, including remote/online learning or through a blended in-class/remote model.

FNESC and FNSA fully respect the authority of individual First Nations to make decisions about school operations in the best interests of their students, schools, and communities, and we further recognize that a number of schools will opt to remain fully or partially closed. First Nations are under no obligation to reopen their schools. Further, while provincial and non-First Nation independent schools were directed to re-open on September 10, 2020, First Nation independent schools are exempt from this requirement.

Purpose

This resource is intended for First Nations and First Nation schools considering the reopening (or partial reopening) of their school facilities during the 2020/2021 school year. In providing this resource, our intention is to inform First Nations of the latest public health advice to facilitate and support planning at the local level. The sections that follow include:

a selection of health and safety considerations divided by topic area (e.g. classrooms, hand hygiene, school gatherings, etc.) adapted from the latest available guidance documents developed by the BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Ministry of Health, and the BC Ministry of Education;

a school reopening planning template to be adapted and modified by First Nations consistent with local priorities and circumstances;

possible provisions to be included, at a First Nation’s discretion, in the development of a plan for a school’s reopening; and

a School Reopening Considerations Checklist.

FNESC and FNSA recommend that BC First Nations develop a school reopening plan if they decide to open their school facilities during the 2020/2021 school year, drawing from and applying provincial guidelines and the considerations within this resource to address the unique circumstances of their local community. Recognizing the authority of First Nations for their learners, and recognizing the responsibility of First Nations for making decisions about the health and safety of their citizens, First Nation independent schools are also exempt from the requirements to fully open and submit a planning template to the Ministry of Education.


How to Use the Resource This resource includes health and safety considerations related to key areas of school operations that are important to address while planning for the reopening of a First Nation school. The resource is based primarily on information published in the BC Centre for Disease Control’s COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools and the BC Ministry of Education’s Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings which should be referred to directly as the authoritative sources of health and safety information when planning for the return to school. Note that these provincial guidelines were established for the public and non-First Nation independent school system, where schools are often larger and include more students than BC First Nation schools. As such, First Nations and First Nation schools may need to adapt these guidelines to reflect their local context. It should also be noted that the available guidelines are intended to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and to facilitate contact tracing, not to eliminate transmission completely.

Note: In February 2021 both the BCCDC and Ministry of Education guidelines for K-12 schools were updated. Reflecting the changes in available guidance, updates to this resource are highlighted in yellow and a summary of substantive updates from the previous version is provided at the beginning of this document. In some cases, additional notes are included that clarify key changes from the previous version. First Nations and First Nations schools are advised to review and update their school reopening plan consistent with the latest available public health guidance.

Please note that as of February 2021 WorkSafeBC no longer has specific protocols for K-12 schools. Additional materials and information are available on the WorkSafeBC website that First Nation schools may wish to consult. First Nations and First Nations schools are still advised to refer directly to the BCCDC and Ministry of Education guidelines as the authoritative sources of health and safety information when planning for in-class instruction.

Within each section of this resource you will find: 1) the latest available guidance to be considered in the development of a school reopening plan; and 2) a planning template to be populated with the standards and guidelines of individual First Nations and First Nation schools. The templates also include a number of suggested provisions that should be modified, adapted, and added to, consistent with the documents referenced above as well as the local circumstances and priorities of individual First Nations.

A senior administrative or school staff member should be identified to take on a leadership role in the development, implementation, promotion, and evaluation of their plan in collaboration with other staff and community members, recognizing that the plan may need to evolve as the year progresses. In support of First Nations and First Nation schools, FNESC and FNSA will continue to revise and update the resource as new information becomes available.

First Nations deciding to reopen their First Nation school(s) should develop any reopening plan in collaboration with Chief and Council, obtaining approval through the appropriate local processes


https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/covid-19-returning-safe-operation/education

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/safe-caring-orderly/k-12-covid-19-health-safety-guidlines.pdf


http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID_public_guidance/Guidance-k-12-schools.pdf

and sharing the plan with parents/caregivers. First Nations may also wish to coordinate with some or all of the following bodies within their communities:

other departments within your First Nation (e.g. Education, Health, Information Technology) or Education Authorities

teachers and staff parents/caregivers local health authorities

Key Areas of Focus

As part of the February 2021 updates to the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools the BCCDC identified the following areas are recommended for renewed attention and focus:

1. Prevent crowding at all times; pay particular attention at the start and end of day.2. Avoid close face-to-face contact whenever possible.3. Assign staff to a specific cohort whenever possible.4. Stagger recess, lunch and class-transition times whenever possible.5. Ensure that the use of masks does not reduce or replace practicing physical distancing

and other prevention measures, for both students and staff.6. Ensure prevention measures are in place in staff only areas, including break and meeting

rooms.7. Implement music classes according to the British Columbia Music Educators’ Association

and the Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia Guidance for Music Classes.8. Ensure physical activity is delivered in line with the guidance in this document.

Notes

The information within this resource is not legal advice and should not be interpreted as such. First Nations are encouraged to seek independent legal advice, as required, to address their particular circumstances and concerns.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KG2rE1rU-NENxbQsuYN20xnM9TBlNn3Z/view



[SCHOOL NAME]Reopening Plan

[Date]


Table of ContentsNote: This is a table of contents for a potential school reopening plan. First Nations are welcome to modify it or add sections to suit their particular needs and circumstances.

1.0 Introduction.............................................................................................................................9

2.0 Learning Groups.....................................................................................................................10

3.0 Classrooms, Programs and Activities.....................................................................................14

4.0 Physical Distancing and Traffic Flows.....................................................................................18

5.0 Student Transportation on Buses..........................................................................................21

6.0 School Gatherings..................................................................................................................23

7.0 Extracurricular Activities........................................................................................................24

8.0 Food Services.........................................................................................................................26

9.0 Hand Hygiene.........................................................................................................................27

10.0 Personal Strategies.............................................................................................................. 29

11.0 Daily Health Checks..............................................................................................................30

12.0 Illness at Home.................................................................................................................... 34

13.0 Illness at School................................................................................................................... 36

14.0 Cleaning and Disinfection....................................................................................................38

15.0 Students with Medical Complexity, Immune Suppression, or Receiving Delegated Care....40

16.0 Students with Disabilities and Diverse Abilities...................................................................41

17.0 Non-Medical Masks.............................................................................................................43

18.0 Staff Safety...........................................................................................................................48

19.0 Communication, Training and Orientation..........................................................................50

Appendix A: Further Information.................................................................................................54

Appendix B: School Reopening Considerations Checklist............................................................56


1.0 Introduction

The following sections contain guidance and considerations related to key areas of school operations based primarily on the latest available health and safety advice included in the BCCDC’s COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools and the BC Ministry of Education’s Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings. Each section also contains our school’s plan for minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission as part of our reopening.

Senior administrative and school staff responsible for the development and promotion of the plan will continue to monitor provincial guidance as the year progresses, making updates to our plan consistent with the latest advice. The plan will be shared and discussed with school personnel and any other relevant staff to ensure our guidelines and standards are applied.

This plan was developed with input from the following bodies: [e.g. Chief and Council] [e.g. Local Health Authority] [e.g. Parents/Caregivers]

For questions or feedback relating to this plan, please contact:[add contact name / position]




2.0 Learning Groups

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools outlines two different but

complementary administrative measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in school settings:

o Learning Groups (also referred to as cohorts) – a group of students and staff who remain together throughout a school term; and

o Physical Distancing – refers to a range of measures aimed at reducing close contact with others. Physical distancing is used as a prevention measure because COVID-19 tends to spread through prolonged, close (face-to-face) contact.

Within Learning Groups, physical distancing should include avoiding physical contact, minimizing close, prolonged, face-to-face interactions, and spreading out as much as possible within the space available. Young children may not be able to consistently reduce physical contact.

Outside of Learning Groups, practicing physical distancing should include avoiding physical contact and close, prolonged face-to-face interactions, spreading out as much as possible within the space available, and ensuring there is 2 metres of space available between people. Note that the previous recommendation was 1-2 metres of space.

Spaces where members of different Learning Groups interact for an extended amount of time (e.g. beyond 15 minutes) should be sufficiently large, and/or should have limits on the number of people so that 2 metres of space is available between people from different cohorts. Note that the previous recommendation was 1-2 metres of space.

If people will be in the same space for transition purposes (e.g. changing between classes), and other measures are in place (e.g. markings on the floor, staggered transition times), there should be enough space to ensure no physical contact.

Within and outside of Learning Groups, there should be no crowding.

According to the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools , Learning Group size maximums are 60 for elementary and middle school students, and 120 for secondary school students per quarter, semester, or term. These maximums include students, teachers, and staff who will be interacting with the students.

Note that most BC First Nation schools include fewer than 60 students. As these are maximums, a First Nation may decide on a lower number. For example:

o The Learning Group size for a school could be a single class.o For schools with a population of under 60 students, teachers, and staff, a Learning

Group could be the whole school, or it could be a single class, two classes, three classes, or more.

o For schools with a population over 60 students, teachers, and staff, a Learning




Group could be a single class, two classes, or even three classes as long as the size of the Learning Group remains under 60.

Important Note: If your school’s population is smaller than the numbers described above, you may decide to treat it as a single Learning Group or to implement learning groups that are smaller than those described. As such, the references to Learning Groups in this template may not be applicable for all BC First Nation schools.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommends that the composition of the Learning Group should remain consistent for all activities that occur in the school, including recess and lunch, classroom movements, etc. Within the Learning Group it is encouraged that physical distancing should include avoiding physical contact, minimizing close, prolonged, face-to-face interactions, and spreading out as much as possible within the space available. Decisions about physical distancing should be made in consideration of the latest available public health guidance.

o School administrators should keep up-to-date lists of all members of a Learning Group and their contact information to support swift communications from the school and to share with public health to support contact tracing, if needed.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that:o Multiple groups of students from different cohorts can be in the same learning

space at the same time if physical distancing can be strictly practiced and there is adequate space to prevent crowding of those from within the same cohort. Masks are not a replacement for physical distancing.

o Students from different Learning Groups may need to be together for beneficial social supports, programs or services (e.g. meal programs, after school clubs). Within these supports or services, it is expected that cohorts are maintained and physical distancing is practiced as much as is practical to do so while still ensuring the support, program, or service continues.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that schools should assign staff to a single cohort whenever possible to minimize the number of adults who interact with cohorts of which they are not a part. Further, staff not assigned to a single cohort should practice physical distancing when interacting with each cohort.

o If physical distancing cannot consistently be practiced when performing their role, consider whether the service can be provided remotely/virtually, if a transparent barrier can be in place, or if other modifications to the service may be made to reduce physical interaction.

o If none of these can be implemented, staff should practice physical distancing as much as possible while interacting with each cohort.

o This includes itinerant staff who work in multiple schools.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings have the following additional guidelines:

o When interacting with peers outside of their Learning Group, students should minimize physical contact when outdoors and maintain physical distance (2






metres) when indoors. If a student is unable to physically distance, the student should socialize within their Learning Group or where they can be supported to physically distance.

o The composition of Learning Groups should remain consistent for all activities that occur in schools (e.g., students and staff cannot be part of more than one Learning Group at the same time).

o Learning Group composition can be changed at the start of a new term (e.g. quarter, semester). Outside of these transition points, composition should be changed as minimally as possible.

o Staff outside of a Learning Group must practice physical distancing (2 metres) when interacting with the Learning Group. Unless staff members are part of the same Learning Group they should maintain physical distance from one another at all times.

o Staff and other adults should seek to reduce the number of close, face-to-face interactions with each other at all times, even when wearing a non-medical mask. This includes during break times and meetings.

Learning Groups: My School's PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Learning Group size maximums including students, teachers, and staff who will be interacting with students are 60 for elementary and middle school students, and 120 for secondary school students per term/semester.

The composition of the Learning Group will remain consistent for all activities that occur in the school, including recess and lunch, classroom movements, etc.

The Learning Group for the school will be the entire school (if the total school population including staff is under 60 for elementary or under 120 for secondary).

OR

The Learning Group size for the school will be two classes of students as follows:o Class A and Class B (Learning Group 1)o Class C and Class D (Learning Group 2)

OR

The Learning Group size for the school will be a single class of students.

OR

Other Learning Group composition aligned with your individual school context.

The number of adults (staff and others) who interact with Learning Groups they are not a part of will be minimized.


Students within Learning Groups will practice physical distancing by avoiding physical contact, minimizing close, prolonged, face-to-face interactions, and spreading out as much as possible within the space available.

Those outside of a Learning Group must practice physical distancing by avoiding physical contact and close, prolonged face-to-face interactions, spreading out as much as possible within the space available, and ensuring there is 2 metres of space available between people.

Staff will be assigned to a specific Learning Group and will practice physical distancing when interacting with those outside of their Learning Group.


3.0 Classrooms, Programs and Activities

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools encourages consistent seating

arrangements and spreading people out as much as possible. For example:o Arrange desks/tables to maximize space between students. Seating arrangements

where students directly face one another should be avoided, particularly for middle and secondary schools.

o Use consistent seating arrangements.o Avoid activities that require close face-to-face contact during school activities.

Physical education and extracurricular exercise and sport activities should occur outside whenever possible. For physical education activities, the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools guidelines state the following:

o People should be spread out as far as possible. o Activities should be adapted wherever possible to reduce physical contact. o There should be no activities that include prolonged physical contact or crowding.o For high intensity activities indoors and the activity is stationary, have students

spaced 2 metres apart. If the activity involves movement, ensure there is ample space available to

reduce the likelihood of physical contact beyond a brief moment. Move activities outside or purse a low-intensity activity if this isn’t

possible.o Masks should be worn indoors by middle and secondary students during low-

intensity indoor activities where physical distancing cannot be consistently practiced.

o Wearing masks during high intensity exercise activities or outdoors is based on personal choice, but cannot be in place of other measures detailed by the BCCDC relating to physical activity.

o Masks should be worn by staff during physical education when they are unable to practice physical distancing.

o Shared equipment can be used; it should be cleaned according to BCCDC Cleaning and Disinfection guidance.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings includes the following additional guidance:

o All curriculum, programs and activities should operate in alignment with the provincial K-12 health and safety guidelines, including school-led activities held off campus (e.g. sports academies, community-based programs/courses).

o For physical and health education and outdoor programs, plan activities that do not involve prolonged physical contact or crowding. Teachers are encouraged to adapt activities wherever possible to reduce physical contact, including within learning groups. Plan physical activities that support physical distancing (2 metres)



outside of learning groups.

For middle school and secondary school students, the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings includes the following additional guidance:

o For high intensity stationary physical activities (e.g. exercise bike, weightlifting), people and equipment need to be spaced 2 metres apart if indoors, including for those within the same learning group. If 2 metre spacing is not available, and the activity cannot be moved outdoors, then the activity must not take place and a different activity should be selected.

Masks cannot replace the need for 2 metres between students and/or fitness equipment during high intensity stationary activities indoors.

o For high intensity physical activities that involve movement (e.g. basketball, soccer), indoors or outdoors:

Students within the same learning group are not required to maintain physical distancing, but the activity must be delivered in a way that reduces the likelihood of physical contact beyond a brief moment.

Students from different learning groups are required to maintain physical distancing (2 metres).

o Wearing masks during high-intensity physical activity (stationary or with movement, indoor or outdoors) is left to students’ personal choice.

o For low intensity activities, middle and secondary students are required to wear masks when they are indoors, unable to maintain physical distancing (2 metres), and a barrier is not present.

For sports activities, the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings provides additional guidance for high and low intensity activities that First Nations schools may wish to consult. This guidance is available starting on page 41.

All music programs (e.g. Band, Choir) can continue to occur. The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings advises that music education should occur in line with guidance developed by the British Columbia Music Educators’ Association and the Coalition for Music Education in British Columbia. Highlights include the following

o Students and staff within the same Learning Group should be spaced as far apart as possible.

o Physical distance (2 metres) should be maintained for K-12 staff and for middle and secondary school students when interacting outside of their learning groups.

o Physical distance (2 metres) can be maintained for elementary students when interacting outside of their learning groups when indoors.

o K-12 staff and middle and secondary students should wear mass while singing indoors.

If there is not enough physical space in the school, are there other options within the community?

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommends incorporating more










individual activities or activities that encourage greater space between students and staff:o For elementary students, adapt group activities to minimize physical contact and

reduce shared items.o For middle and secondary students, minimize group activities and avoid activities

that require close face-to-face contact.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommends that all mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems be checked to ensure they are working properly. Where possible, schools should open windows if weather permits and it doesn’t impact the functioning of ventilation systems.

There is less risk of transmission of COVID-19 outside. The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommends taking students outside more often to organize learning activities outside including snack time, place-based learning, and unstructured time. Activities that involve movement, including those for physical health and education, could also be taken outside. Physical education and extracurricular exercise and sport activities should occur outside whenever possible.

Is this an opportunity to do more land-based learning, or to hold classes completely outside?

Is part-time attendance of students a possibility to reduce the number of students in the school at any one time?


o Schools should continue to practice emergency and evacuation drills and modify current drill procedures to adhere to health and safety guidelines (e.g., providing additional muster spots to prevent crowding/congregating).

o Staff should be notified in advance of emergency/evacuation drills (i.e. no “surprise” drills).

o School fire safety plans, including drill procedures, should be developed in cooperation with the local fire department and other regulatory authorities.

Health Canada’s COVID-19 Guidance for Schools Kindergarten to Grade 12 contains additional guidance that is more detailed and often more restrictive, such as consideration of barriers in classrooms, increasing air exchanges by adjusting the HVAC system, opening windows when possible, reducing or eliminating the sharing of equipment and supplies, removing toys that cannot be easily cleaned, and encouraging youth to leave personal items (cell phones, head phones) in lockers or at home. In addition, Health Canada has detail around specific educational activities, such music, singing, and libraries that you may wish to review.



Classrooms: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Students and staff will be encouraged to avoid close greetings (e.g. hugs, handshakes) and face to face contact, and not touch their faces.

Unnecessary furnishings and equipment will be removed from classrooms to allow more space to spread students out.

Where desks are used in a classroom, they will all face forward and will be spaced 2 metres apart.

Most of the day, classes will be outside. [Alternatively: Classes will be outside all day].

Part-time attendance of students will be used to reduce the number of students in the school at any one time.

The school will strive to minimize the number of different teacher(s) and educational assistant(s) that interact with groups of students throughout the day.

Staff and students will be encouraged to only bring personal items that are necessary (e.g. backpacks, clothing, school supplies, water bottles) and will not share personal items with others.

Personal items including school supplies will be labelled with student names.

Physical education and extracurricular exercise and sport activities will occur outside whenever possible.

Classroom windows will be open when weather permits.


4.0 Physical Distancing and Traffic Flows

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommendations include the

following:o Use floor markings and posters to direct traffic flow throughout the school. This

may include one-way hallways and designated entrance and exit doors. It is important not to reduce the number of exits and to ensure compliance with the fire code.

o Consider staggering class start times. This may or may not be possible depending on bus transportation options.

o Barriers can be installed in places where physical distancing cannot regularly be maintained and a person is interacting with numerous individuals outside of a Learning Group/cohort. This may include the front reception desk where visitors check in or in the cafeteria where food is distributed. It may also include itinerant staff working across cohorts.

Also see recommendations in section 2.0 Learning Groups and 3.0 Classrooms, Programs and Activities of the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools.

Is there an opportunity to incorporate more individual activities or activities that encourage greater space between students and staff?

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommends that parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, volunteers, and other non-staff people (e.g. visitors) entering the school should be limited to those supporting activities that are of benefit to student learning and wellbeing (e.g. teacher candidates, immunizers, meal program volunteers, etc.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings recommends that schools ensure that visitors are aware of health and safety protocols and requirements prior to entering the school (such as physical distancing and mask requirements). Parents/caregivers and other visitors should maintain physical distance and avoid crowding while on school grounds, including outside. Schools are responsible for ensuring that all visitors confirm they are not ill and are not required to self isolate before entering. Schools should keep a list of the date, names and contact information for all visitors and staff who are not typically onsite, maintenance or IT personnel and administrators who entered the school over the past 30 days. All visitors must wear a non-medical mask when they are inside the school. Adult volunteers can continue to support outdoor supervision/monitoring provided they follow the required health and safety protocols (e.g. maintaining physical distance, wearing a mask when unable to maintain physical distance, etc.).

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommends implementing







strategies to prevent crowding at pick-up and drop-off times, focusing on entry and exit areas, and other places where people may gather or crowd.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommends ensuring communication of physical distancing guidelines is relayed in multiple formats for ease of understanding (e.g., visual supports, prompts, signage…) and that floor markings and posters be used to address traffic flow throughout the school.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools also recommends installing barriers made of transparent material in places where physical distance cannot be regularly maintained and a person is interacting with numerous individuals outside of a Learning Group. This may include a front reception desk, a library check out desk or where food is distributed in a cafeteria.

Health Canada’s COVID-19 Guidance for Schools Kindergarten to Grade 12 contains additional guidance, including encouraging children to have individual bathroom breaks as needed instead of group bathroom breaks, with supervision.


https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/guidance-schools-childcare-programs.html



Physical Distancing and Traffic Flows: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

All people will enter the school through the school entrance located at [add location] Classes will gather outside while waiting to enter the school at locations that are marked using signage. These locations will be at least 2 metres apart from each other. Parents and caregivers will not be permitted to enter the school with their children and will be discouraged from waiting with their children, and if they do, they will be required to maintain 2 metres distance from other children and parents/caregivers.

OR

Classes A and B will enter and exit the school through the door located at … Classes C and D will enter and exit the school through the door located at [add location].

OR

Classes will enter and exit the school at staggered intervals. Classes will gather outside while waiting to enter the school at locations that are marked using signage. These locations will be at least 2 metres apart from each other. Classes will enter and exit the school at staggered intervals as follows:

o Class A and Class B (Learning Group 1) will start school at 8:45 a.m.o Class C and Class D (Learning Group 2) will start school at 9:00 a.m.o Class E and Class F (Learning Group 3) will start school at 9:15 a.m. ….

Recess and lunch periods will be staggered as follows:o Class A and Class B will have recess at 10:00 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m.o Class C and Class D will have recess at 10:30 a.m. and lunch at 12:30 p.m.o Class E and Class F will have recess at 11:00 a.m. and lunch at 1:00 p.m. …

Hallways and aisles will be one-way and signage will be placed to remind people to

physical distance.

The office will be closed. Parents, caregivers, and visitors will not be permitted in the school without permission of the school principal. Parents, caregivers, and visitors will be asked to phone xxx-xxx-xxxx with questions or to request an appointment.

A record will be kept of all visitors to the school, including their contact information.

A physical barrier will be placed in front of the reception desk and a 2 metre area will be marked with tape in front of the reception desk. Public access to the reception area will be limited.

Students will be regularly reminded to keep their hands to themselves.


5.0 Student Transportation on Buses

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommendations include the

following:o Use consistent and assigned seating arrangements.o Consider the order students typically onload and offload to support buses being

loaded from back to front and offloaded from front to back.o Prioritize students sharing a seat with a member of their household or Learning

Group/cohort. o The seating arrangement can be altered whenever necessary to support student

health and safety (e.g. accommodating children with a physical disability, responding to behavioural issues, etc.).

o If space is available, students should each have their own seat and be seated beside the window.

o All K-12 staff and middle and secondary students should wear masks. These should be put on before loading. No student is required to wear a non-medical mask if they do not tolerate it.

o Bus drivers should clean their hands often, including before and after completing trips, and are encouraged to regularly use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol during trips, as well as wear a non-medical mask or face covering when they cannot physically distance or be behind a physical barrier in the course of their duties.

o Schools should keep up-to-date passenger lists to share with public health should contact tracing need to occur.

o Encourage private vehicle use and active transportation (e.g. biking, walking, etc.) by students and staff where possible to decrease transportation density.

o BCCDC guidance can be adapted as relevant to other modes of transportation (e.g. vans, boats, ferries, etc.).

o Students should clean their hands before they leave home to take the bus, when they leave school prior to taking the bus, and when they get home.

o Open windows when the weather permits.o School buses used for transporting students should be cleaned and disinfected

according to the guidance provided in the BCCDC’s Cleaning and Disinfectants for Public Settings document.

Additional guidance is available from Transport Canada.


o If a child is sick, they must not take the bus or go to school.o Middle and secondary students are required to wear non-medical masks or face

coverings when they are on the bus. Elementary students are not required to



https://www2.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/federal-guidance-school-bus-operations-during-covid-19-pandemic.html

http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/CleaningDisinfecting_PublicSettings.pdf



wear a non-medical mask or face covering on school buses. Non-medical masks or face coverings should be put on before loading.

o Bus drivers are expected to wear a non-medical mask, a face covering or a face shield (in which case a non-medical mask should be worn in addition to the face shield) on school buses except while driving or able to maintain physical distance (2 metres). Exceptions will also be made for bus drivers who cannot tolerate masks for health or behavioural reasons.

Schools will have non-medical masks and face shields available for staff.

Health Canada’s COVID-19 Guidance for Schools Kindergarten to Grade 12 also recommends opening windows, if feasible, and to consider adding buddies or bus monitors to assist younger children with adhering to risk mitigation measures.

Student Transportation on Buses: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Students and parents will be encouraged to consider alternate transportation to school (biking, walking, driving) when it is reasonable and safe to do so. If students need to travel by bus, parents and guardians will be asked to ensure that their children will abide by the following guidelines:

o Perform hand hygiene before they leave home to take the bus, when they leave school prior to taking the bus, and when they get home.

o Sit in their assigned seat (students will be assigned seats based on the order they are picked up and dropped off, loading back to front and offloading front to back).

o Middle and secondary school students and K-12 staff will wear a non-medical mask that is put on before loading and taken off after offloading, providing that they do not have a health condition that means they cannot tolerate a mask.

A daily checklist will be maintained by the bus driver that confirms daily attendance on the bus and that students have been asked about their health before boarding.

Windows on the bus will be open at all times, weather permitting.

A transparent physical barrier will be installed between the driver and the students and the driver will wear a non-medical mask.

Where possible, bus line up areas will be set up to prevent crowding and allow for physical distancing of 2 metres (e.g. tape or chalk on pavement, etc.).

The bus will be cleaned and disinfected daily, according to BCCDC guidelines.



6.0 School Gatherings

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommends that school

gatherings (i.e. events that bring staff and students together outside of regular learning activities) should occur infrequently. Gatherings that do occur should take place within the Learning Group/cohort and should not exceed the maximum Learning Group size including the number of additional people required (e.g. school staff, visitors, etc.) to meet the gathering’s purpose and intended outcome. Schools should seek virtual/online alternatives for larger gatherings and assemblies.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that gatherings or events at a school, including social gatherings of students and/or staff, must comply with the PHO Order for Gatherings and Events.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings recommends the following:

o Staff meetings, in-service, and professional development activities and other staff only gatherings should be held virtually wherever possible.

o School gatherings should occur within a Learning Group and adequate space should be available to prevent crowding for those within the Learning Group.

o Examinations or assessments are not considered school gatherings, however they must still be delivered in accordance with the health and safety guidelines outlined in Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings .

Could students help plan what a virtual assembly might look like? Do they have other ideas for how to foster togetherness?

School Gatherings: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

No school gatherings will occur in person during the pandemic. Virtual gatherings will be held by Zoom.

OR

School gatherings will be minimal during the pandemic and will occur only within the Learning Group/cohort. Visitors will not be able to attend school gatherings.

OR

A different provision specific to your local school community.




https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-order-gatherings-events.pdf

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-order-gatherings-events.pdf



7.0 Extracurricular Activities

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that extracurricular

activities including sports, arts, or special interest clubs can occur if they can be implemented in line with the guidance for within-and outside-of-cohort interactions noted in the BCCDC guidance document. This includes 2 metres of space available between people from different Learning Groups (when indoors for elementary, and at all times for middle and secondary).

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that inter-school events including competitions, performances, tournaments, and festivals should not occur at this time.

Is there an opportunity to provide outdoor extracurricular activities that minimize physical contact or maintain physical distancing?

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings also recommend that:

o When planning field trips, staff should follow existing policies and procedures as well as the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. Additional measures specific to field trips should be taken, including:

Field trip locations must provide supervisors with their COVID-19 operating plan and ensure it does not conflict with the school’s plan. The field trip supervisor should then share the plan with parents and school administration to increase public confidence.

Use of parent volunteers for driving groups of students is not permitted during stages 2 to 4.

Parent volunteers providing supervision must be trained in and strictly adhere to physical distancing and other health and safety guidelines, including wearing masks.

Ensure field trip numbers align with the Provincial Health Officer guidance and Orders.

Field trips to outdoor locations are preferable. Risk assessments of where you are going - science exploration vs. exploring

at the beach. No overnight field trips should occur. International field trips should be cancelled until further notice.

Are there opportunities to engage in cultural activities outdoors in the coming months?





Extracurricular Activities: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

No extracurricular activities will occur during the pandemic.

OR

The following extracurricular activities will occur with physical distancing and mask wearing in place: X, Y, Z.

AND

No inter-school event including competitions, tournaments and festivals will occur during the pandemic.


8.0 Food Services

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that schools can continue to

include food preparation as part of learning and provide food services, including for sale and meal programs. Due to students possibly facing increased levels of food insecurity, schools are encouraged to continue food access initiatives. More detailed information is available in the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools document and includes the following:

o If food is prepared within or outside a school for consumption by people other than those that prepared it (including for sale), it is expected that the WorkSafeBC restaurants, cafes, pubs, and nightclubs: Protocols for returning to operation are implemented as appropriate and as relevant to the school setting, in addition to normally implemented food safety measures and requirements (e.g. FOODSAFE trained staff, a food safety plan, etc.).

o Schools should not allow homemade food items to be made available to other students at this time (e.g. birthday treats, bake sale items).

o Schools should continue to emphasize that food and beverages should not be shared.

o Schools can continue to accept food donations to support learning and meal programs.

o Limit the number of staff/volunteers in a food preparation or eating area at any one time to those necessary to ensure the program can be delivered.

o Schools should ensure any sanitizers or disinfectants used are approved for use in a food service application and are appropriate for use against COVID-19. These may be different than the products noted in the BCCDC document for general cleaning and disinfection.

o See Appendix D COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools for additional details.

Food Services: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Students and parents/caregivers are not permitted to bring homemade food items meant for sharing into the school at this time (e.g., birthday treats, bake sale items).

The school will emphasize to students, teachers and parents/caregivers that food and beverages should not be shared.



https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/covid-19-returning-safe-operation/restaurant-cafes-pubs




9.0 Hand Hygiene

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that rigorous hand washing

with plain soap and water is the most effective way to reduce the spread of illness and that everyone should practice diligent hand hygiene. Both students and staff can pick up and spread germs from objects, surfaces, food and people.

Wash hands with plain soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Antibacterial soap is not needed for COVID-19. Temperature does not change the effectiveness of washing hands with plain soap and water, though warm water is preferred for personal comfort.

If sinks are not available (e.g., students and staff are outdoors), use alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol. See the List of Hand Sanitizers Authorized by Health Canada for products that have met Health Canada’s requirements and are authorized for sale in Canada. If hands are visibly soiled and soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand wipe followed by alcohol-based hand rub.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that playgrounds can be used as normal. Ensure appropriate hand cleaning before and after outdoor play.

To learn about how to perform hand hygiene, please refer to the BCCDC’s hand washing poster. Post signage to remind students and staff to practice regular hand hygiene.

Staff should assist younger students with hand hygiene as needed.

Could older students also assist in helping the younger ones learn the new routines?

Appendix F of COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools outlines when to perform hand hygiene at school and may be incorporated in your school reopening plan.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings have additional guidance including:

o Ensure hand washing supplies are always well stocked including soap, paper towels, and where appropriate, alcohol-based hand rub with a minimum of 60% alcohol.

o Students may bring their own sanitizer or plain soap if they are on the list authorized by Health Canada or have a medical condition that require specialized soaps.




http://www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/clinical-resources/covid-19-care/signage-posters



https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19/hand-sanitizer.html



Hand Hygiene: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Students will be advised by signage and class instruction to perform hand hygiene:o When they arrive at school.o Before and after any breaks (e.g., recess, lunch).o Before and after eating and drinking (excluding drinks kept at a student’s desk or

locker).o Before and after using an indoor learning space used by multiple cohorts (e.g. the

gym).o After using the toilet.o After sneezing or coughing into hands.o Whenever hands are visibly dirty.

Staff will be advised by signage and through meetings to perform hand hygiene:o When they arrive at school.o Before and after any breaks (e.g. recess, lunch).o Before and after eating and drinking.o Before and after handling food or assisting students with eating.o Before and after giving medication to a student or self.o After using the toilet.o After contact with body fluids (i.e., runny noses, spit, vomit, blood).o After cleaning tasks.o After removing gloves.o After handling garbage.o Whenever hands are visibly dirty.


10.0 Personal Strategies

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that the following students,

staff, or other persons must stay home and self-isolate:o A person confirmed by public health as a case of COVID-19; oro A person confirmed by public health as a close contact of a confirmed case or

outbreak of COVID-19; oro A person who has travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools guidance states that students staff, and other persons in the school should stay home when they are sick. Staying home when sick is one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of introducing and spreading of COVID-19 in schools. The key symptoms to watch for are fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell or taste, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The following actions reduce risk:

o Performing a daily health check.o Stay at home when sick.o Get a health assessment and/or COVID-19 test when sick.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools also recommends the following strategies:

o Avoid close greetings (e.g. hugs, handshakes).o Encourage students and staff to not touch their faces (“hands below shoulders”).o Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Throw away used tissues and

immediately perform hand hygiene.o Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.o Refrain from sharing any food, drinks, unwashed utensils, cigarettes, or vaping

devices.

Personal Strategies: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Students and staff will be encouraged by teachers and through other communication tools such as signage and newsletters/emails to parents and caregivers to:

o Avoid close greetings (e.g. hugs, handshakes) and prolonged face to face contact.o Encourage students and staff to not touch their faces (“hands below shoulders”).o Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Throw away used tissues and

immediately perform hand hygiene.o Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.o Refrain from sharing any food, drinks, unwashed utensils, cigarettes or vaping

devices.





11.0 Daily Health Checks

Guidance and Considerations A daily health check is a tool to reduce the likelihood of a person with COVID-19 coming

to school when they are infectious. The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools contains detailed provisions regarding daily health checks including page 18, Daily Health Check and page 32, Appendix E: What to Do if a Student or Staff Member Develops Symptoms At School. Note that the sample Daily Health Check, previously Appendix C in the BCCDC guidance, is no longer provided in the current draft.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings state that parents and caregivers should assess their children daily for illness before sending them to school.

o Parents/caregivers and students can utilize the provincial K-12 Health Check app for daily assessment of symptoms.

o Schools are not required to verify that the student health check has occurred every day or require that parents/caregivers submit a daily health check form.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings state that staff and other adults are required to complete an active daily health check, in line with the Provincial Health Officer’s Order on Workplace Safety prior to entering the school. School. School administrators are required to verify that staff and other adult health checks have been completed before they enter the school. An entry check poster for worksites and additional information on health checks is available on the WorkSafeBC website.

The Ministry of Education’s K-12 Health Check app and the When To Get Tested for COVID-19 resource can be used to support daily health checks for students.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that school administrators can support this practice by communicating the requirement for everyone to do a daily health check.

o For school staff, an active daily health check must be completed in line with the requirements of the Provincial Health Officer’s Order on Workplace Safety. WorkSafe BC resources to support daily health checks can be found here.

o For students, this means ensuring their parent or caregiver is aware of common symptoms of COVID-19 and is checking with their child daily to see if the child is experiencing any of these symptoms, as well as ensuring their child is not required to self-isolate.

o If the staff or student (or their parent) indicates that the symptoms are consistent with a previously diagnosed health condition and are not unusual for that individual, they can continue to attend school. No assessment or note should be required from a health provider. Those experiencing symptoms of


https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/health-and-safety/health-checks

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-order-workplace-safety.pdf


http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID_public_guidance/When_to_get_tested.pdf


https://www.k12dailycheck.gov.bc.ca/

https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/posters/help-prevent-spread-covid-19-entry-check-workers?lang=en

https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/posters/help-prevent-spread-covid-19-entry-check-workers?lang=en






illness can also use the BC Self-Assessment Tool.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that school administrators should ensure:

o Staff and other adults entering the school are aware they should not come to school if they are sick or are required to self-isolate. For school staff, an active daily health check must be completed in line with the requirements of the Provincial Health Officer’s Order on Workplace Safety. Resources to support this can be found on the WorkSafeBC website.

o Parents and caregivers are aware that their child should not come to school if they are sick or are required to self-isolate as per public health direction.

There should be no role for staff in screening students or other staff for symptoms, checking temperatures, or COVID-19 testing. Such activities should be reserved for health-care professionals.

Important note: There are significant privacy considerations for issuing notifications about possible cases of COVID-19. Local First Nations Leadership and the Regional Health Authority should be involved in any decisions regarding communications and notifications. Please consult the FNESC and FNSA resource Protocols for Management of Illness and Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, First Nations Schools, for further details and guidance.


http://www.fnesc.ca/covid19/protocols-for-management-of-illness-and-confirmed-covid-19-cases-first-nations-schools/


https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/health-and-safety/health-checks



https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en

Daily Health Checks: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

The school will work with its Regional Health Authority to ensure policies and procedures are in place regarding reporting elevated staff and student absenteeism due to influenza-like illness. This reporting is helpful in early identification of clusters and outbreaks.

If a staff or student in a school is confirmed by the Regional Health Authority as positive for COVID-19, the Regional Health Authority will lead the response and communicate what actions should be taken, including if any staff or students who have been in contact with that person need to self-isolate, and if other staff and students’ families should be notified.

Students and staff with cold, influenza, or COVID-19 like symptoms should stay home, self-isolate, and be assessed by a health-care provider.

Students and staff with cold, influenza or COVID-19 like symptoms should stay home and seek guidance from a health care provider. The BCCDC resource When to Get Tested for COVID-19 provides information on symptoms and when to seek testing.

Quarantine is a term typically reserved for people who return from travel outside the country who are at risk of developing COVID-19. All students and staff who have travelled outside of Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days under both provincial and federal orders.

Any student, staff or other person within the school who has symptoms of COVID-19 OR travelled outside Canada in the last 14 days OR was identified as a close contact of a confirmed case or outbreak must stay home and self-isolate, including children of essential service workers.

Parents and caregivers must assess their child daily for symptoms of common cold, influenza, COVID-19, or other infectious respiratory disease before sending them to school.

o If a child has any symptoms, they must not go to school.

Staff and other adults must assess themselves daily for symptoms of common cold, influenza, or COVID-19 prior to entering the school.

o If staff or any adult has any symptoms, they must not enter the school.

The school will:o Ensure school staff and other adults entering the school are aware of their

responsibility to assess themselves daily for symptoms of common cold, influenza, COVID-19 or other infectious respiratory disease prior to entering the school.




o Verify that staff and adults have successfully completed a health check before entering the school.

o Clearly communicate with parents and caregivers about their responsibility to assess their children daily before sending them to school.


12.0 Illness at Home

Guidance and Considerations Nobody should come to school if they are sick. The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for

K-12 Schools states that staff, students and other persons entering the school are expected to follow the guidance from the BC Centre for Disease Control. This is outlined in the When to Get Tested for COVID-19 BCCDC resource.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools advises that when a staff, student or other persons entering the school can return to school depends on the type of symptoms they experienced as outlined in the When to Get Tested for COVID-19 resource.

o If based on their symptoms a test was not recommended (i.e. the guidance is to “stay home until you feel better’) the person can return to school when their symptoms improve and they feel well enough.

o If based on their symptoms a test is recommended (i.e. The guidance includes ‘get tested’), the person must stay home until they receive their test result.

If the test is negative, they can return to school when symptoms improve and they feel well enough.

If the test is positive, they must follow direction from public health on when they can return to school. This is typically 10 days from when they started experiencing symptoms.

o Staff, students and parents/caregivers can also use the BC Self-Assessment Tool app, call 8-1-1 or their health care provider for guidance.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools also states that students and staff

may still attend school if a member of their household develops new symptoms of illness, provided the student/staff has no symptoms themselves. If the household member tests positive for COVID-19, public health will advise on next steps.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-1 2 Settings state that the following students, staff or other adults must stay home and self-isolate:

o A person confirmed by the health authority as testing positive for COVID-19; oro A person confirmed by the health authority as a close contact of a confirmed case

of COVID-19; oro A person who has travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-1 2 Settings recommend that students and staff who experience symptoms consistent with a previously diagnosed health conditions (e.g. season allergies) can continue to attend school when they are experiencing these symptoms as normal.

o They do not require re-assessment by a healthcare provider and should not be required to provide a health provider note.










o If they experience any new or unexplained symptoms, they should seek assessment by a health care provider.

Illness at Home: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

The school will inform parents/caregivers about COVID-19 symptoms and the health and safety requirements, and inform them about the 8-1-1 resource for health assessments and the BC Self-Assessment Tool.

Our community’s health and safety protocols will inform all school protocols for illness at home and those protocols will be communicated to families.

The school will communicate on a regular basis with the Regional Health Authority and local First Nation leadership to ensure a coordinated approach to illness at home.


13.0 Illness at School

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools recommends that schools

establish procedures for those who become sick while at school to be sent home as soon as possible. Some students may not be able to be picked up immediately. As such, consider having a space available where the student or staff member can wait comfortably, which is safe and separated from others. This can include being in the same room as others, as long as the person experiencing illness is at least 2 metres away from others and wears a mask if they are able to. Provide supervision for younger children. If a student, staff member or other person develops symptoms at school, follow the guidance in Appendix E: What to do if a Student or Staff Member Develops Symptoms at School.

A list of COVID-19 symptoms is available from BCCDC but symptoms can be very mild and most people in BC with these symptoms do not have COVID-19. Those unsure of if they or a student should self-isolate or be tested for COVID-19 should be directed to use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool.

According to the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools students and staff who experience symptoms consistent with a previously diagnosed health condition can continue to attend school when they are experiencing these symptoms as normal.

According to COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools students and staff can also be advised to contact 8-1-1, use the BC Self-Assessment Tool, or contact a family physician or nurse practitioner for guidance.

If a student develops signs of new illness while at school, the available guidance sets out the following steps:

o Immediately separate the symptomatic student from others in a supervised area.o Contact the student’s parent or caregiver to pick them up as soon as possible.

Parents or caregivers must pick up their child as soon as possible if they are notified their child is ill.

o Where possible, maintain a 2-metre distance from the ill student. If not possible, staff should wear a nonmedical mask or face covering if available and tolerated, or use a tissue to cover their nose and mouth.

o Provide the student with a non-medical mask or tissues to cover their coughs or sneezes. Throw away used tissues as soon as possible and perform hand hygiene.

o Avoid touching the student’s body fluids (e.g. mucous, saliva). If you do, practice diligent hand hygiene.

o Once the student is picked up, practice diligent hand hygiene.o Staff responsible for facility cleaning must clean and disinfect the space where the

student was separated and any areas recently used by them (e.g., classroom, bathroom, common areas).







http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/symptoms


If staff develops symptoms at work, staff should go home as soon as possible. If unable to

leave immediately:o Symptomatic staff should separate themselves into an area away from others.o Maintain a distance of 2 metres from others.o Use a tissue or mask to cover their nose and mouth while they wait to be picked

up.o Staff responsible for facility cleaning must clean and disinfect the space where the

staff member was separated and any areas used by them (e.g. classroom, bathroom, common areas).

Appendix E of the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools outlines what to do

if a student or staff member becomes ill at school and may be incorporated into your reopening plan.

See also the FNESC and FNSA resource Protocols for Management of Illness and Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, First Nations Schools, adapted from a BC Ministry of Education resource in consultation with the First Nations Health Authority and BC Ministry of Health.

Illness at School: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

If a student develops any symptoms of illness parents or caregivers must keep the student at home.

If a staff member develops any symptoms of illness, staff must stay home.

The designated space for an ill student or staff member to wait if they cannot return home immediately is: ____________________.





14.0 Cleaning and Disinfection

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools emphasizes that regular cleaning

and disinfection are essential to preventing the transmission of COVID-19 from contaminated objects and surfaces and that schools should be cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the BCCDC’s Cleaning and Disinfectants for Public Settings docum ent . This includes guidance that general cleaning and disinfecting of the premises be should be done at least once every 24 hours and that frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected an additional time every 24 hours (i.e. twice total). At least one of these cleanings should occur during the school day. Empty garbage containers daily and when full.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools advises limiting frequently touched items that are not easily cleaned to those that support learning, health and development. Frequently-touched items like toys or manipulatives that may not be able to be cleaned can continue to be used if hand hygiene is practiced before and after use. Addition guidance on cleaning electronics, toys, fabrics and other items is available here.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools advises that paper-based products (including laminated or glossy paper-based products) and items with plastic covers can be used without cleaning and disinfecting or quarantining. Note that the previous guidance was the laminated paper-based products should be cleaned and disinfected daily if they are touched by multiple people.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools also advises that water fountains where a person drinks directly from the spout should be used minimally, and only if no other means of water access are available. Re-filling water stations can be used to re-fill personal containers. These should not include bathroom sinks or other water sources not typically used for drinking water. Students and staff can continue to bring personal items and school supplies to school for their own use. This includes reusable containers for bringing drinks, snacks and meals, but they should be limited to those that can be easily cleaned (e.g. reusable containers) and/or are considered low risk (e.g. clothing, paper, etc.).

See Health Canada’s list of hard-surface disinfectants for use against coronavirus (COVID-19) for specific brands and disinfectant products.

In addition, the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings states the following:

o Water fountains can continue to be used, as access to water and washrooms should not be restricted. Students and staff should be encouraged to use personal water bottles. Water fountains where a person drinks directly from the spout should be used minimally, and only if no other means of water access are



https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19/list.html




http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/cleaning-and-disinfecting


http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info-site/documents/cleaningdisinfecting_publicsettings.pdf


available. If using water fountains, students and staff should practice hand hygiene before and after use, and to not place their mouth on the fountain. Water fountains should be cleaned as a frequently touched item.

o Examples of frequently touched items, which should be cleaned and disinfected at least twice in 24 hours including at least once during regular school hours, include items used by multiple students and staff, including doorknobs, light switches, hand railings, water fountains, faucet handles, toilet handles, tables, desks, chairs, manipulatives and toys. They also include shared equipment (e.g. computer keyboards and tablets), PE sports equipment, music equipment, and appliances (microwaves, coffee pots, refrigerators, photocopiers).

Cleaning and Disinfection: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Cleaning and disinfection procedures in the school will include:o General cleaning and disinfecting of the premises at least once every 24 hours.

This includes items that only a single student uses, like an individual desk or locker.

o Cleaning and disinfecting of frequently-touched surfaces at least twice every 24 hours.

These include door knobs, light switches, toilet handles, tables, desks, chairs used by multiple students, water fountains, toys, coffee makers, water refill stations, keyboards, tablets, and photocopiers.

o Cleaning and disinfecting any surface that is visibly dirty. o Using common, commercially-available detergents and disinfectant products and

closely following the instructions on the label. o Limiting frequently-touched items that are not easily cleaned. o Emptying garbage containers daily. o Wearing disposable gloves when cleaning blood or body fluids (e.g., runny nose,

vomit, stool, urine). Washing hands before wearing and after removing gloves. o Removing shared items where cross-contamination is possible (e.g., shared school

supplies, coffee and water stations, and snack bins).o Incorporating end-of-shift wipe downs for all shared spaces.o Cleaning and disinfecting cots and mattresses prior to use and after they are used

or soiled. Use single use only pillow cases and blankets and dispose of them immediately after single use. Where pillow cases and blankets are not single use, launder between each student.

o Providing adequate instruction, training, and supplies to custodians.


15.0 Students with Medical Complexity, Immune Suppression, or Receiving Delegated Care

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools contains a section on students

with medical complexities, immune suppression, or receiving delegated care as well as considerations for whether PPE should be worn. The guidance states that those providing health services in schools should wear a mask (medical or non-medical) when providing services when those services cannot be provided from behind a barrier. In addition, those providing services should follow their standard risk assessment methods to determine if additional PPE is needed, in accordance with routine practices.

In addition, the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings states that most children who are immunocompromised can return to in-class instruction when safety measures are in place. Protective self-isolation is only recommended for children who are severely immunocompromised, as determined on a case-by-case basis. Schools should be aware of BCCDC Guidelines for Children with Immune Suppression and share this document with families of children with immune suppression.

o If attending school is right for the child: schools should work with parents or caregivers to develop a plan that provides options for learning to ensure appropriate preventative measures are in place.

o If attending in-class instruction is not right for the child: schools should work with families to develop options to continue their child’s education at the school or school district level.

Students with Medical Complexity, Immune Suppression, or Receiving Delegated Care: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Parents /caregivers of children who are at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 will be encouraged to consult a healthcare provider to determine their child’s level of risk.

School staff providing delegated care and working in close proximity with students who are at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 will wear a mask.

The school will work with families to develop options for student safety and learning.


http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/priority-populations/children-with-immune-suppression



16.0 Students with Disabilities and Diverse Abilities

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools notes that staff or other care

providers working with students with disabilities and diverse abilities should wear a non-medical mask when providing services when the service cannot be provided from behind a barrier.

o It advises that students with disabilities and diverse abilities may require unique considerations to ensure their inclusion in a cohort, including adapting some BCCDC guidance.

o It further advises that a face shield can be used in place of a non-medical mask when working with students where seeing facial expressions and/or lip movement is important and physical distance cannot be maintained. Clear masks that cover the nose and mouth are another option when visual communication is necessary.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings guidelines for students with disabilities and diverse abilities are as follows:

o School districts and independent schools are expected to implement health and safety measures that promote inclusion for students with disabilities/diverse abilities.

o School districts and independent schools must ensure that supports and services typically provided to students with disabilities/diverse abilities or medical complexity continue across all stages. This should include ongoing discussion on needs assessments to better understand the supports that students and families may require.

o Students with disabilities/diverse abilities who are not able to physically distance are not to be excluded from a Learning Group. Prevention and exposure control measures should be implemented to support students to access learning within a Learning Group (e.g. assigned seating, prompts, visual support, education using video modelling, social stories etc.).

o Schools districts and independent schools must ensure that Learning Groups are established in a manner that reflects the implementation of students’ IEP goals, respects the principles of equity and inclusion and does not result in segregated learning environments for students with disabilities/diverse abilities.

o If it is necessary to reduce the number of individuals at any given time within secondary schools to ensure that physical distance can be maintained when required, schools should continue to prioritize the attendance of students who most benefit from in-person support and learners with diverse needs.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings guidelines also state that when staff are working with a student indoors, physical distancing cannot be maintained, and the service cannot be provided from behind a barrier, staff are required to wear a non-medical mask, a face covering or a face shield (in which case a non-medical





mask should be work in addition to the face shield). Additional personal protective equipment is not required beyond that used as part of the personal care routine normally encountered in their regular course of work (e.g., gloves for toileting). When working with students where facial expressions and/or lip movement is important and physical distancing cannot be maintained, the strategies outlined the Itinerant Staff and Specialists section of the Ministry guidance should be explored. Where a mask is required, options include having the staff member wear a mask with a transparent section to enable visualization of the mouth.

Students with Disabilities and Diverse Abilities: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Staff will use standard precautions in their work with students with disabilities and diverse abilities.

Extra effort will be made to communicate on a regular basis with parents to ensure student needs are being met.

If physical space limitations make it necessary to reduce the number of students in a learning environment to ensure physical distancing, students who will most benefit from in-person support and learners with diverse needs will be prioritized.

Clear masks that cover the nose and mouth will be used when facial communication is necessary for student learning and understanding.


17.0 Non-Medical Masks

Guidance and Considerations Important note: This section has been significantly updated to reflect new guidance on

the use of non-medical masks from the BC Centre for Disease Control. Following the release of the BCCDC’s new guidance, the Ministry of Education released more detailed guidelines and implemented additional mask requirements for public and non-First Nation independent schools. This section includes the BCCDC’s updated guidance followed by the Ministry of Education’s new requirements. First Nations should adopt and apply this guidance in the best interest of their learners and community. Public health guidance on the use of non-medical masks has been changing rapidly. To ensure you have the most current information, please check for the latest version of the referenced documents.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states the following regarding non-medical masks:

o K-12 staff and middle/secondary students should wear a mask indoors at school, including within their Learning Groups, except when:

Sitting or standing at their seat or workstation in a classroom or learning space,

There is a barrier in place, Eating or drinking.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools also outlines the following regarding non-medical masks:

o Elementary students’ mask use should be based on their personal or family/caregiver’s choice.

o K-12 staff and middle/secondary students should wear a mask on buses.o Masks should not be used in place of physical distancing or any other measures

recommended by BCCDC. o Masks can be safely worn by school-aged children. Note that previous guidance

was that masks were not recommended for elementary school students.o Masks should be worn indoors by middle and secondary students during low-

intensity indoor activities where physical distancing cannot be consistently practiced. Wearing masks during high intensity exercise activities or outdoors is based on personal choice.

o Masks should be worn by staff during physical education when they are unable to practice physical distancing.

o Those wearing masks must still seek to practice physical distancing. There must be no crowding or congregating of people, even if masks are worn. Note that the guidance previously stated that “those that choose to wear non-medical masks must still seek to maintain physical distance from people outside of their Learning Group/cohort. There must be no crowding, gathering or congregating




of people from different Learning Groups /cohorts, even if non-medical masks are worn.”

o Face shields should not be worn in place of masks, except for those communicating using lip-reading, when visual facial cues are essential, or when people may be unable to wear a mask.

o Non-medical masks are not a replacement for the need for physical distancing for in-class instruction delivered to more than one cohort.

o Students should not be required to wear a mask if they do not tolerate it (for health or behavioural reasons). Note that the guidance previously stated that “no student needs to wear a non-medical mask if they do not tolerate it.”

o Examples of when a non-medical mask should be worn include: Middle and secondary students and K-12 staff on a school bus Staff working across cohorts when physical distancing cannot be practiced Staff in a break room where physical distancing cannot be practiced and a

barrier is not present. All visitors should wear a mask when in the school.

For BCCDC guidance on mask use specific to physical education and music classes see section 3.0.

Additional guidance for staff use of masks in office settings (both within school buildings, as well as in other office settings) is available from WorkSafe BC.

Students and staff should be supported to know how to properly put on, wear, take off, and store masks. More information about COVID-related mask use, including how to clean and store reusable masks, is available on the BCCDC website and the Government of Canada website.

In addition to the BCCDC guidelines above, the Ministry of Education has released detailed requirements for public and non-First Nation independent schools, which can be found in the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings. These requirements are as follows:

K-12 STAFF

o All K-12 staff are required to wear a mask or face shield (in which case a mask should be worn in addition to the face shield) in schools – both within an outside of their learning group, except when:

sitting in (or standing at) their desk/workstation, or while maintaining physical distance (2 metres), in a classroom/learning environment;

there is a barrier in place; eating and drinking; or outdoors (mask use outdoors is a personal choice).

o All K-12 staff are required to wear a mask or a face shield (in which case a mask should be worn in addition to the face shield) on school buses.

o In “staff only” spaces, staff are required to wear masks when indoors, unable to



https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/how-put-remove-clean-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html


http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/masks

https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/information-sheets/covid-19-health-safety-selecting-using-masks?lang=en

maintain physical distance (2 metres), and a barrier is not present. WorkSafeBC guidance for offices also lists measures that should be considered and implemented as applicable to the workplace for staff in office environments (both inside and outside of ‘bricks and mortar’ schools).

o Exceptions will also be made for staff who cannot tolerate masks for health or behavioural reasons. Schools must not require a health-care provider note (i.e. a doctor’s note) to confirm if staff cannot wear a mask.

MIDDLE AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS:

o All middle and secondary school students are required to wear a mask or a face shield (in which case a non-medical mask should be worn in addition to the face shield) in schools - both within and outside of their learning group except when:

sitting in (or standing at) their seat or desk/workstation (including shared tables) in a classroom/learning environment;

While this exception applies regardless of the physical distance between students or their specific seating configuration, schools should configure classrooms and learning environments to maximize distance between students and avoid face-to-face seating arrangements where possible.

there is a barrier in place; eating and drinking; or outdoors (mask use outdoors is a personal choice).

o All middle and secondary school students are required to wear a mask or a face shield (in which case a mask should be worn in addition to the face shield) on school buses.

o Exceptions will also be made for students who cannot tolerate masks for health or behavioural reasons. Schools must not require a health-care provider note (i.e. a doctor’s note) to confirm if a student cannot wear a mask.

o Additional guidance for mask use during specific activities in middle and secondary schools is detailed in the Music Programs, Physical and Health Education (PHE)/Outdoor Programs, School Sports and Theatre, Film and Dance Programs sections of the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings document.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

o Elementary students are not required to wear a mask in schools or on school buses. Elementary students’ mask use should be based on their personal or family/caregiver choice, and their choices must be respected.

In line with current public health guidance, masks are not required for elementary school students based on international evidence regarding younger children’s capacity to comply with the correct use of masks (e.g. frequent touching/removal of mask, wearing mask incorrectly, etc.), and potential impact of mask wearing on learning and development.

o Schools and school districts will have non-medical masks available for staff and




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https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/covid-19-returning-safe-operation/offices

students, including anyone who es sick while at school.

VISITORS:

o All visitors must wear a non-medical mask when they are inside the school. Exceptions will be made for visitors who cannot tolerate masks for health or behavioural reasons.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings advises that supporting students with complex behaviours, medical complexities or receiving delegated care may require staff providing health services or other health care providers to be in close physical proximity or in physical contact with a medically complex or immune suppressed student.

o People providing these services in schools should wear a mask (medical or non-medical) when providing services and physical distance cannot be practiced, or the service cannot be provided from behind a physical barrier. Additional PPE over and above that needed for routine practices and the use of a medical or non-medical mask is not necessary.

o Those providing health services in schools may be receiving different guidance related to PPE from their regulatory college or employer. Health service providers are encouraged to work with their employer to confirm what PPE is recommended for the services they provide in school settings.

o Parents and caregivers of children who are considered at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 are encouraged to consult with their health care provider to determine their child’s level of risk.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings recommends using positive and inclusive approaches to engage students in the use of masks, and not employing measures that are punitive or stigmatizing in nature. For more information, see the Supportive School Environments section of the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings document.

For information on PPE when working with students where seeing facial expressions and/or lip movement is important, see the Guidelines for Staff Working with Students with Disabilities/Diverse Abilities where Physical Contact may be Required section of the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings document.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings recommends that the use of masks should not reduce or replace other more effective infection prevention and exposure control measures in schools, such as:

o Ensuring students and staff stay home when they are sick or required to self-isolate, including ensuring everyone entering the school performs a daily health check;

o Enhanced cleaning and disinfection;o Placing students and staff into consistent groupings of people (Learning Groups); o Adapting learning environments to maximize the use of space;








o Ensuring physical distance can be maintained between Learning Groups; ando Frequent hand hygiene.

See also the considerations in 15.0 Students with Medical Complexity, Immune Suppression, or Receiving Delegated Care and 16.0 Student with Disabilities and Diverse Abilities.

Non-Medical Masks: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Staff and middle school/secondary students will wear a mask indoors at school, including within their Learning Groups, except when:

o Sitting or standing at their seat or workstation in a classroom or learning space,o There is a barrier in place, oro Eating or drinking.

Students and staff will have a non-medical mask or face covering available at school so it is accessible should they become ill while at school.

Students will wear a non-medical mask or face covering when on school busses and will put on the mask before boarding.

Students will be taught about how to use masks and the expectation that they will treat people wearing masks with respect.

All adults entering the school will wear masks, including staff, service people and volunteers.

When staff are interacting with people inside or outside of their Learning Group within the school, they are expected to wear a non-medical mask, a face covering or a face shield (in which case a non-medical mask should be worn in addition to the face shield). Schools will have non-medical masks and face shields available for staff.


18.0 Staff Safety

Guidance and Considerations The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools states that attention should be

given to ensuring physical distancing is practiced within staff-only spaces, including during break times. To support this, schools should:

o Hold meetings, in-service and professional development activities and other gatherings virtually whenever possible. If meetings cannot be held virtually: Staff should practice physical distancing for face-to-face meetings,

whenever possible. If physical distancing is not possible, and a barrier is not present

participants should wear masks. The number of participants gathered, and the length of the gathering should be minimized as much as possible.

o Use visual cues (floor markings, posters, etc.) to promote physical distancing in common spaces (e.g. break rooms, copy rooms, etc.).

Note that WorkSafeBC guidance previously included in this section has been integrated into other sections of this resource. See the WorkSafeBC website for additional materials and information that First Nation schools may wish to consider regarding staff safety.

Staff Safety: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

Establish and post occupancy limits for shared spaces such as lunch rooms and break rooms.

Remove chairs or tables to ensure occupancy limits are not exceeded and provide additional areas for staff to have their breaks, including areas outdoors.

Stagger start and end of shift times as well as break times for workers to prevent crowding when entering and leaving the workplace.

If workers need to meet in person, ensure there is a 2-metre space between each worker.

Ensure that workers are knowledgeable regarding the controls required to minimize their risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Report any unsafe conditions or acts.

Staff will be encouraged to remain on site and not to leave during lunch or at break




times.

If staff need to travel between schools/worksites, they will physical distance in vehicles wherever possible.


19.0 Communication, Training and Orientation

Guidance and Considerations The psychosocial needs of students and staff should be considered. Health Canada’s

COVID-19 Guidance for Schools Kindergarten to Grade 12 contains some useful considerations that you may wish to review, including open and frequent communication with parents and caregivers, listening to and providing reassurance to students, the possibility of misinformation being shared in less supervised settings, and the importance of mental health supports.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools advises that schools use positive and inclusive approaches to support students to practice personal preventative measures like physical distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and mask use by:

o Having staff model these behaviours.o Sharing reliable information to parents, families and caregivers. Information and

resources are available from BCCDC.o Promoting them in the school through the use of visual aids like floor markings

and signage.

The BCCDC has a new website for parents www.bccdc.ca/schools to help students, parents, staff and administrators find public health information. It includes information and resources about:

o The measures in place to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in schools,o Information about what happens when there is a case of COVID-19 in schools,o Frequently asked questions.

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools contains the following statement which parents and caregivers should be aware of:

o While implementation of infection prevention and exposure control measures help create a safe environment by helping to significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, it does not eliminate the risk entirely. Parents and caregivers of children who are considered at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider to determine their child’s level of risk.

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings have additional guidance including:

o Schools should clearly and consistently communicate guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer and resources available for information on COVID-19 as needed.

o Schools should consider providing early and ongoing health and safety orientation for staff (including newly hired staff and staff who change worksites), parents/caregivers, students and other adults in the school (e.g. teacher candidates in practicums and volunteers) to ensure all members of the school




http://www.bccdc.ca/schools



community are well informed of their responsibilities and resources available.

In September 2020, FNESC and the FNSA provided a Health and Safety Orientation Checklist to support schools in delivering health and safety orientation for staff, students, and families. It is adapted from a resource developed by the BC Ministry of Education. The FNESC/FNSA checklist items are provided here for reference:

CONSIDERATIONS FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS

o Adopt a trauma-informed approach: If possible, consider having an employee trained in trauma-informed

practice available during the orientation and provide information on how students and families can access counselling services and mental health supports.

o Highlight the process used to develop the School Plan and the provincial health and safety guidelines:

The Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings have been developed by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Indigenous rightsholders and education partners, including district/school leaders, teachers, support staff, and parents.

These guidelines are based on the public health guidance developed by the Office of the Provincial Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

o Discuss the importance of implementing health and safety measures that promote equity and inclusion and outline how these principles are reflected in the School Plan.

o Review the health and safety guidelines and School Plan, and describe what a school day will look like with the new guidelines (interactions between peers and staff, traffic flow throughout the school, transition times, recess/lunch, school schedule, etc.).

o Outline how prevention and exposure control measures are being implemented in schools to ensure student and staff safety (see the “Infection Prevention and Exposure Control Measures” section and the Prioritizing Health and Safety Flowcharts in the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings for more information).

o Discuss plans for extra-curricular activities, as well as school-wide activities and events; provide opportunities for staff and students to put forward alternatives to continue to support events in a different format if needed (e.g., virtual event).

o Review school emergency and evacuation procedures (e.g., fire drill) considering the new health and safety guidelines (e.g. establishing additional muster points to reduce gathering size).

o Outline individual responsibilities (e.g., daily health check, stay home if sick, etc.) and remind everyone to do their part (e.g., practice diligent hand hygiene on a regular basis, only bring personal items if they are necessary, specific guidelines for visitors, etc.).

o Outline measures in place to support students and staff who are severely




http://www.fnesc.ca/covid19/orientation-checklist/


immunocompromised.o Implement strategies to ensure staff and students who cannot attend the

orientation and/or staff who work at multiple sites are made aware of health and safety protocols (e.g., provide a booklet or a video).

o Provide enough time and space for staff, students and families to review the plan, ask questions, and provide input; provide contact information for any future questions that may arise.

o Describe the process to address concerns and suggestions regarding the health and safety plan (e.g., suggestions to support continuous improvement).

o Outline the process in place to assess and revise the School Plan on an ongoing basis as well as how staff, students, families, and First Nation leadership will be made aware of any changes in the plan.

o Communicate proactively and on an ongoing basis about the changes made to policies, practices, and procedures to ensure staff, students, families and First Nation leadership are informed in a timely manner.

o Provide a list of resources and links for more information (e.g., BCCDC resources (including a poster on how to wear a mask), resources from the Government of Canada on how to put on, remove, store and clean a non-medical mask/face covering, guidelines developed by provincial associations, Ministry-developed trauma-informed practice resources , or other resources such as videos from the BC Health Emergency Services), and resources from FNESC and FNSA.

CONSIDERATIONS SPECIFIC TO STAFF

o Provide a detailed to overview to staff (administrators, teachers, support staff, school staff, etc.) regarding what the first days of school will look like to welcome students back

o If appropriate, consider involving representatives from school staff in the delivery of information pertaining to specific areas of expertise.

o Ensure orientation includes specific health and safety protocol for itinerant staff and specialists (e.g., counsellors, education assistants, teacher candidates), including protocols pertaining to site-based scheduling and access to the building.

o Include itinerant staff as well as on-call and auxiliary staff in orientation sessions.o Share procedures and contact information in case of emergencies.o Introduce members of any health and safety committee representatives (along

with their contact information) and outline their role in helping maintain a healthy and safe workplace.

The Provincial Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings have additional guidance:o Ensure communication of infection prevention and exposure control measures is

relayed in multiple formats for ease of understanding (e.g. visual representation, videos using sign language, etc.)

o Schools should consider providing early and ongoing health and safety orientation for staff, parents/caregivers and students to ensure employees, families and the school community are well informed of their responsibilities and resources



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https://mytrainingbc.ca/traumainformedpractice/




http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/resources-at-a-glance

available. Examples include online information, distribution of orientation and training materials that are clear, concise and easily understood, interactive sessions with Q&A's, etc.

Communication, Training and Orientation: My School’s PlanNote: Here are some possible provisions for your school’s plan based on the considerations above. You are invited to select, modify, and delete as appropriate for your school. Additional provisions can be added below.

The school will send a regular email to families/parents/caregivers. It will include updates about the school’s COVID-19 response and procedures, reminders about daily health checks and signs/symptoms of COVID-19, mental health resources, and responses to common questions/concerns.

The principal will communicate on a regular basis with First Nation administration and Chief and Council (consider specifying how frequently this will happen).

COVID-19 information and notices will be posted to a designated school bulletin board.

Signage will be posted at the school entrances, including notices to adults entering the school about their responsibility to assess themselves daily for symptoms of common cold, influenza, COVID-19 or other infectious respiratory disease prior to entering.

A start of the year email update and meeting will be held with staff to review workplace practices relating to COVID-19 and answer questions.

Regular check-in meeting with staff will be held to share current information and review any concerns.

The school will provide instruction to staff on the following: o The risk of exposure to COVID-19 and the signs and symptoms of the disease.o Safe work procedures or instruction to be followed, including hand washing and

cough/sneeze etiquette.o How to report an exposure to or symptoms of COVID-19.o Changes made to policies, practices, and procedures due to the COVID-19

pandemic.o The school will keep a record of the instruction and training provided to workers

regarding COVID-19, as well as reports of exposure and first aid records. COVID-19 related meetings will be documented and minutes posted at a central location.

The school will keep a record of the instruction and training provided to workers regarding COVID-19, as well as reports of exposure and first aid records. COVID-19 related meetings will be documented and minutes posted at a central location.


Appendix A: Further Information

Find this resource and supporting documents at www.fnsa.ca/covid19 and www.fnesc.ca/covid19.

Key ResourcesThe BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is an important source of information about COVID-19. Resources available on their website can be used to support learning and to respond to questions you may receive from members of your school community. More information is available here:http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/childcare-schools

COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools:http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID_public_guidance/Guidance-k-12-schools.pdf

Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/safe-caring-orderly/k-12-covid-19-health-safety-guidlines.pdfhttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/covid-19-return-to-school

Operational Guidelines for School Districts and Public Health Authorities: https://www.openschool.bc.ca/covidguidelines/

Other Useful Resources

FNESC and FNSA’s Protocols for Management of Illness and Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, First Nations Schools: http://www.fnesc.ca/covid19/protocols-for-management-of-illness-and-confirmed-covid-19-cases-first-nations-schools/

FNESC and FNSA’s Staff Health and Safety Orientation Checklist for First Nation Schools: http://www.fnesc.ca/covid19/orientation-checklist/

BCCDC’s Cleaning and Disinfectants for Public Settings: http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/CleaningDisinfecting_PublicSettings.pdf

Health Canada’s list of hard-surface disinfectants for use against coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19/list.html

List of Hand Sanitizers Authorized by Health Canada:https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19/hand-sanitizer.html










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http://www.fnesc.ca/covid19

http://www.fnsa.ca/covid19

Federal Guidance for School Bus Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic:https://www2.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/federal-guidance-school-bus-operations-during-covid-19-pandemic.html https://www2.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/joint-guidance-document-transport-canada-csa-d250-school-bus-technical-committee.html

COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for Child Care Settings:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/child-care-response-covid-19/child-care-response-covid-19-provider/child-care-response-covid-19-health-safety

WorkSafeBC Protocols for K-12 Education:https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/covid-19-returning-safe-operation/education

WorkSafeBC Restaurants, cafes, pubs, and nightclubs: Protocols for returning to operation: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/covid-19-returning-safe-operation/restaurant-cafes-pubs

Health Canada COVID-19 Guidance for Schools Kindergarten to Grade 12 (contains additional information that could be useful):https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/guidance-schools-childcare-programs.html

World Health Organization COVID-19 Considerations for Schools:https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-schools-and-covid-19

Ministry of Education Information for School Districts and Independent Schools, including operating guidelines: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/covid-19-return-to-school/school-districts

BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool: https://bc.thrive.health

BCCDC’s posters, including hand washing poster:http://www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/clinical-resources/covid-19-care/signage-posters

COVID-related mask use information:http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/masks

World Health Organization Guidance on the Use of Masks in the Context of COVID-19:https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/advice-on-the-use-of-masks-in-the-community-during-home-care-and-in-healthcare-settings-in-the-context-of-the-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)-outbreak


https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/advice-on-the-use-of-masks-in-the-community-during-home-care-and-in-healthcare-settings-in-the-context-of-the-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)-outbreak



http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/masks


https://bc.thrive.health/

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/covid-19-return-to-school/school-districts

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/covid-19-return-to-school/school-districts

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-schools-and-covid-19







https://www2.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/joint-guidance-document-transport-canada-csa-d250-school-bus-technical-committee.html

https://www2.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/joint-guidance-document-transport-canada-csa-d250-school-bus-technical-committee.html



Appendix B: School Reopening Considerations Checklist

Please adapt and add to this checklist as appropriate for your school.

Planning School reopening plan drafted School reopening plan reviewed and

approved by Chief and Council COVID-19 news being monitored Person identified to manage the plan ______________ ______________

Scheduling and Organization Learning Groups have distinct start/end

times, meals, and recesses Visitor log kept at school reception ______________ ______________

Transportation Driver PPE and barriers provided Student assigned consistent seats that

maximize physical distancing and load back to front

Parent/caregiver instructions communicated

Bus attendance checklist prepared ______________ ______________

Building, Supplies, and Cleaning Cleaning supplies and Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE) ordered Barriers installed at reception Cleaning/disinfecting schedule in place Unnecessary furnishings, equipment,

and shared items removed

Classroom desks and hallways set for physical distancing

Floor markings and posters address traffic flow

Adequate amounts of high touch materials on hand (pencils, pens, art supplies)

Handwashing/sanitizing sites set up Enhanced cleaning routine in place Sick room designated ______________ ______________

Staff Start of the school year

orientation/training with staff (all types) to review procedures and responsibilities

WorkSafeBC guidance reflected in School reopening plan

Written instructions/plan shared with staff

______________ ______________

Communication Share reopening plan with First Nation

leadership and parents/caregivers Families of students with higher risk of

severe illness consulted Signage posted: entrances, bathrooms,

halls, classrooms, and common areas Bulletin board for COVID-updates set ______________ ______________


Background - First Nations Education Steering Committee ... · Web view2020/09/25 · Parents and...

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