Dear Families,

The attached letter (click on below link to view) providing details of guidance from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry and the BC Centre for Disease Control regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID19). 

Coronavirus info to families re Provincial Health Guidelines (Feb 27-2020)

Please also note that the Fraser Health Authority has reiterated that there is no public health risk at schools in the region or anywhere else in BC. Further, we have been assured by Fraser Health and Dr. Bonnie Henry that the risk of COVID-19 infection remains low. We have also been advised by the Provincial Health Officer that no changes to routines are required at any school in BC at this time.

COVID-19 is a worldwide public health issue. We have been sharing best practices for prevention – handwashing, coughing and sneezing into an arm or tissue and encouraging people to stay home from school or work when they are sick. Please be assured that the Burnaby School District continues to monitor the situation closely and is in regular communication with the Fraser Health Authority, as well as the Ministries of Health and Education.  If you have specific questions about coronavirus please contact 811.

Kindly read the information posted Burnaby School Districts website by clicking on the link below:

https://portal.burnabyschools.ca/communications-home/translation-piece

 

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Novel Coronavirus: Letter from Fraser Health to Families and frequently asked questions:

Please see the attached (purple link below) from the Fraser Health Authority to parents and guardians regarding coronavirus (COVID-19).

Fraser Health UPDATE to schools on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Feb. 21, 2020

In answer to questions about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to reach out to all of you. Please be assured that the Burnaby School District continues to monitor the situation closely and is in regular communication with the Fraser Health Authority, as well as the Ministries of Health and Education.

The District takes direction on matters of public health from the Fraser Health Authority. They are providing answers to the public online about questions, including those related to schools. You can find the answers here:

Fraser Health CORONAVIRUS Questions & Health Topics

The province has cautioned that fake news regarding coronavirus has been circulating on social media and they encourage families to refer to official sources, such as the BC Centre for Disease Control for the latest information and updates: www.bccdc.ca. Additionally, updates from the province to the public are on the District’s website for easy reference: www.burnabyschools.ca.

Here is today’s joint statement from the Minister of Health and Provincial Health Officer:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0036-000284

The Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has consistently reiterated that the risk to British Columbians remains low, and Dr. Henry has told families to leave the advice over who should be isolated for coronavirus to health professionals.

If you have specific questions about coronavirus or who provincial health is recommending should self-isolate, please contact 811.

Maria Perez, Principal, South Slope Elementary