Listen Live
Listen Live
Listen Live

Mask mandate now applies to K-3 BC students

In an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19 in BC schools,  the mandatory mask policy now applies to K-3 BC students.

Starting on Monday, all BC students will be required to wear masks when inside a school building, including while at their desks and on buses.

Initially, masks were only required to be worn by students in grades 4-12 and all faculty members, the policy remains in place for faculty members.

Provincial Health Officer, Dr.Bonnie Henry says this policy will help minimize the transmission of both COVID-19 and other viruses in school settings.

“These measures will also assist in stopping other respiratory illnesses that we’re starting to see as well and we know that made a difference last year. Right now we’re starting to see things like Enteroviruses and Antroviruses that cause those common colds and we’re also seeing a bit of Parainfluenza,” she stated.

These measures build on the existing K-12 health and safety guidelines, which include daily health checks, hand washing, staying home when sick, and improved ventilation systems.

She adds that transmission among these age groups is higher in areas with lower vaccination uptake, especially among children that aren’t eligible for vaccination.

“The data I showed on Tuesday shows that in that older age group, the 12-17, we’re now starting to see leveling off. We haven’t seen transmission in the staff in school settings as much as we were seeing last year, so this tells us the immunization program is working,” she added.

Dr. Henry notes COVID-19 tends to be a mostly mild disease in children, but the province still needs to take the necessary measures to keep children safe.

There haven’t been any COVID-19 deaths in children since last year when one infant and one toddler passed away.

Earlier this week, the province also announced potential school exposures will be listed on the health authority website that the school is located.

Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Continue Reading

ckbx Now playing play

cffm Now playing play

ckcq Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Xeni-Taseko Evacuation Alert lifted

The Evacuation Alert for the Xeni-Taseko Area has been lifted. The Alert was issued by the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation Government, Tŝilhqot’in National Government and the Cariboo Regional District on September 13, 2025 at 9:15 p.m.

Moffat Bridge to have single lane traffic in the morning

The Moffat Bridge in Quesnel, leading to and from West Quesnel will be down to single-lane alternating traffic from 4 am to 8 am on Wednesday, September 24 while maintenance will be conducted by the City of Quesnel.

Only 1 of 4 wildfires in the Puntzi Creek Complex listed as out of control

There are currently 4 wildfires being actioned by Puntzi Creek Complex personnel in the Chilcotin.

More than 12,500 public service workers taking job action as BCGEU ramps up strike

The B.C. General Employees Union is again ramping up job action, amid what it says is now the longest public service strike in the province's history.

Quesnel Parents and Teachers ‘outraged’ at School Trustee’s approved 35 per cent raise

Teachers and Parents in Quesnel are left "outraged" as the School District 28's Board of Trustees approved a 35 per cent raise for themselves on September 17's School Board Meeting, that will allegedly directly cut classroom funding.
- Advertisement -