COVID-19 Contact Tracing at BC Schools

There has been a case of COVID-19 identified within the Dickens community and you may have heard stories on the news of late, regarding how COVID cases in schools are being handled. 

We’re sure that many of you have questions about the process for informing and tracing cases and we encourage you to take a look at the websites for both Vancouver Coast Health exposures and the BCCDC exposures. 

Below, you’ll find the outline of Vancouver Coastal Health’s process when a positive case is identified, along with an infographic which describes how contact tracing works. If a student or teacher receives a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result, Public Health follows a rigorous protocol:

Contact tracing is initiated to determine how the individual was infected and who they were in close contact with. We identify and notify close contacts who may be at an increased risk, and advise them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days.

Only Public Health can determine who is a close contact. Learning groups, friends or other connections may not be determined to be a close contact. 

Public Health staff works closely with the school and school district throughout the case and contact management process to maintain close communication with the school community.

Understanding that it’s easier said than done, we encourage you not to panic, but rather to be vigilant in monitoring yourselves and your family members for any of the identified symptoms and keep your kids home if you’re unsure. 

When you’re picking up your child(ren) from school, keep your distance, wear a mask (unless you aren’t able to for health reasons) and, as Julie recommended last week, rather than staying in the park or on the playground where there are lots of people, head home. 

Ahead of Thanksgiving, we’d like to remind you of what Dr. Henry has said:

“Make your celebrations large in thanks, large in gratitude, but small in size.
Stick to six and share turkey, not COVID.”

Sending all our best for a wonderful, safe and healthy Thanksgiving, 

Your PAC Co-Chairs,
Laura, Tiffany, Sara & Daniela