@richardzussman @MrJoshuaMcLeod It been said BC school plans align with other provinces and then Alberta was brought up as an example. It was said teachers and advocates are splitting hairs. The following thread shows stark difference and how nuance of words matters in outcome.

While reading keep in mind that Alberta PHO has public declared 87 transmission events, 49 of which involves more than one other students. This is WITH stronger protections. Ours is an ironic comparison of Swiss cheese level of protection.

We aren’t saying close school doors. We are saying we see gaps where we aren’t safe. Parent/economic inconvenience shouldn’t come at our expense. Parents have some $ resource from fed gov to make these measures workable and would come at little cost to school.

If we can’t afford to go full physical distancing in classes; we should at least consider best preventative practice. These small adjustment would go a long way in easing staff/parent anxiety—and would keep everyone that much safer.

Let’s start with health screening before they get in the door. Health check. BC:

Health check, Alberta. 3 PAGES long.

Pre-existing conditions with symptoms akin to covid. BC. Students can attend as usual with no medical check up.

Pre-existing conditions Alberta must get covid test.

Household bubbles with a known infection BC. Students can still attend as long as there are no symptoms. Meaning they (may) be at school as symptoms develop.

Household bubbles with known sickness. Alberta: quarantine.

Physical distancing indoors within cohort. BC: physical distancing not required, physical contact discouraged. The logistics of this mind-boggle. There is not an easy solution for one teacher to monitor this for either suggested protocol.

Physical distancing indoors within cohort. Alberta: physical distancing 2 meters recommended-children’s desk should not face each other

Physical distancing outside-mixing cohorts. BC: contradictory language. Students remain in cohort groups unless socializing outside of them-distance not required. Physical contact discouraged.

Physical distancing outdoors mixing cohorts. Alberta: limit exposure to others. Maintain cohorts outside. Keep other cohorts 2 meters apart.

Masks. BC: mandates 8+ in common areas-choice in class. Masks not required by students in elementary.

What is with the language of respecting mask wearers—maybe instead of the suggestion that bullying is the expected response to wearing one it could be suggested that those wearing one feel they are protecting others and that deserves respect. Anyway...

Masks. Alberta: Grades 4-12 must wear in common areas. In classrooms can be taken off at desk if desk distance maintained and must be worn when doing close contact work.

Learning group exposure. BC: close contacts (may) be isolated or told to attend and monitor for symptoms. Again through incubation period. 2 photos.

Class exposure. Alberta: class isolation.

How is this splitting hairs. Where exactly is there alignment. There are other examples. This information is out there for ANYONE to access. Bonnie Henry says we are doing all we can in bced. Are we? Really?