The BC Teachers Federation is calling on the province to implement stricter health and safety measures before school begins next month.

Speaking on the NL Morning News, President Terri Mooring says most were optimistic at the end of June that we would be going into a very different September, however the number of COVID cases just keep going up.

“We’re just not seeing any sign of them slowing down. So it makes even more imperative as we look at going back to school, with the majority of our students not eligible for vaccinations, that we put in some solid and logical safety measures in place so that everyone is protected.”

“We are definitely talking about a mask mandate and different from last year. Because students from 11 years old and younger will be the ones that aren’t eligible for vaccinations, it is imperative that we have a mask mandate from Kindergarten to Grade 12 that covers everyone that comes into our schools. All staff and all visitors.”

The BCTF is also urging government to implement the following measures ahead of the new school year:

• School-based clinics to allow easy access to vaccinations for ages eligible students.
• Funding for ventilation system upgrades to meet the minimum standards of MERV 13 filters, and HEPA filters in workspaces where MERV 13 filters are not possible.
• N95 and/or medical-grade masks available for all students and staff upon request.
• Comprehensive COVID-19 testing strategy that includes asymptomatic testing.
• Designated time for health and safety training at all schools and worksites.

Data from the BCCDC as of Thursday, August 19 shows the province has 5,982 active cases of COVID-19. More than 56% of all active cases are in the Interior Health Authority.