More rapid COVID-19 tests for B.C. schools

Feb 1, 2022 | 4:00 PM

Approximately 300,000 rapid antigen test kits will be delivered to schools across B.C.

The COVID-19 test kits, which are being provided by the provincial government, will be delivered in phases.

The first phase will focus on supplying rural and remote school districts with the kits. This will allow families living in communities far away from regional testing facilities to have access to tests.

The tests will be reserved for use by students with symptoms of COVID-19.

The second phase will see tests delivered to schools in the Interior and Northern Health authorities. Those tests will be reserved for students aged five to 11.

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“By making rapid tests available to symptomatic students in rural and remote communities, we are using an additional tool to strengthen the continuity of learning,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education.

“Since the return to class on Jan. 10, teachers and staff in B.C. have worked diligently to ensure classrooms and schools continue to be safe places and spaces for students to learn. I thank them for the tireless work they do each day to give students every opportunity to achieve their best.”

The tests kits for students are in addition to the more than 200,000 tests shipped to schools for use by symptomatic staff, teachers and administrators. Those kits have started to arrive in communities throughout B.C.

The rapid tests build on existing COVID-19 testing programs in place in communities across the province.

“As schools provide essential support for students’ academic, social, and emotional development, we welcome the supply of rapid antigen tests for use by our students in parts of B.C. with less access to testing facilities, as this will help inform and provide more peace of mind to families,” said Andrea Sinclair, president of the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils.

The province also notes that support is available for schools that wish to implement targeted improvements to its ventilation systems, with a focus on deploying portable HEPA filtration units in classrooms. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the province has invested $114-million to help school districts upgrade ventilation in classrooms across the province.

by Liam Verster

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