As thousands of children across British Columbia return to school in a few days, some parents and teachers say they want to make sure minimizing COVID-19 risk is still a priority.
Although the Omicron BA.5 wave peaked in early August according to the the B.C. COVID-19 modelling group, many British Columbians are set to get their fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this fall, to buffer against the possibility of another wave of infection.
When students returned to in-person classes earlier in the pandemic, schools had mask mandates and safety plans in place. This year, parents are raising concerns about a lack of concrete protective measures.
“I’d like to see masks,” said Kyenta Martins, vice-chair of the Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council. She says she is not calling for a mask mandate, but rather educating people across the province on why they should be worn.
She says the council would also like to see the Ministry of Health and epidemiologists set clear guidelines on masking, ventilation and filtration to best protect students and teachers.
