As we look forward to Spring Break and spending time with our families I am writing to give you some updated information on the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19).
As knowledge of COVID-19 evolves, we continue to use information from
Interior Health
&
As advised by our health officials, anyone concerned about respiratory symptoms should stay home and call their health-care provider or 8-1-1 to discuss any need for testing and follow up.
In the meantime, we are reminding everyone to follow proper respiratory hygiene etiquette during the cold and flu season. This includes:
- Proper hand-washing for at least 20 seconds using soap and water.
- Alcohol-based hand rubs to clean hands if they are not visibly soiled.
- Do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow.
- Stay at home when you are sick
If you are planning an international trip with your family, please monitor the
Government of Canada Travel Site
for the latest travel advisories. COVID-19 is currently found in over 110 countries.
The following travel advisories for COVID-19 have been issued (as of March 12th, 2020):
• Level 3 Travel Advisory (Avoid Non‐essential Travel) for China, Italy, Iran
• Level 2 Travel Advisory (Practice Special Precautions) for Japan, South Korea
• Level 1 Travel Advisory (Practice Normal Precautions) for Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Spain and France.
The BC Provincial Health Officer is now advising self-isolation for 14 days for people who
have been to China and Iran in the last 14 days.
The federal government has recommended that Canadians avoid all
cruise ship travel
due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
As such, please note that if your family travels to any location with a Level 2 or Level 3 travel
advisory during Spring Break, you are being asked to self-quarantine your child for 14 days prior to returning them to school.
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We want to ensure parents, students and staff have time to adjust their plans accordingly. This is an evolving global situation, and as such we need to be prepared that between now and the end of Spring Break there likely will be more changes to the situation, which is why I am asking that you please visit our website before school begins on March 30 for any updates.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Peter Jory,
Superintendent/CEO of School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap)