Greater Victoria Teachers' Association calls for return of COVID-19 safety protocols as clusters increase in schools
Concern is rising for kids in Vancouver Island elementary schools. As of Monday, there are 10 COVID-19 clusters at schools being reported by Island Health, a total that's doubled in just four days.
"We have a problem right now that is not being addressed,” said Winona Waldron, president of the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association.
A cluster is defined as two or more cases within a 14-day period, with evidence of transmission occurring within the school.
There are currently three clusters in schools in the Mid-Island, while the South Island has seven.
The hardest hit school in Greater Victoria may be Sir James Douglas Elementary in Victoria.
The president of the Greater Victoria Teachers Association said last week that half the students at Sir James Douglas weren’t at the school as they were either at home sick, or at home as a precaution.
In B.C., kids under 12 are the demographic with the highest rate of new COVID-19 cases. The transmission is being fueled by the delta variant.
Waldron says now is the time to bring back cohorts, move towards hybrid learning and make masks mandatory for children from kindergarten to Grade 3.
"I believe things are going to be changed," said Waldron on Monday. "They are very necessary at this point."
Not everyone is calling for change, however, including this parent of a 5-year-old.
"I feel like my son's school is doing the best that they can do to keep the kids safe," she said.
Waldron’s concern isn’t only for students. She says she spoke with a teacher in the Greater Victoria School District on Monday who, despite being fully vaccinated, is now seriously ill with COVID-19.
"She's double vaccinated and has contracted COVID, she believes at work, and is deeply concerned about what that means," said Waldron.
The teacher who has requested that her school and identity stay anonymous told Waldron that she was following all COVID-19 safety protocols and is currently "very ill" at home, recovering.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Madonna says her kids' 'enthusiasm' kept her going while on tour after 'near death' hospitalization
As Madonna approaches her 80th show on her 'Celebration' tour, she took a moment to appreciate how much her six children have helped her get to this point after being hospitalized last year before the tour began.