Outbreak declared at B.C. Christian school after 32 students, staff test positive for COVID-19
For the second time this week, health officials have declared a COVID-19 outbreak at a school in B.C.'s Lower Mainland.
The latest outbreak was announced Friday at Maple Ridge Christian School, where 32 students and staff have tested positive for the disease so far.
Fraser Health said the private school, which teaches kindergarten through Grade 12, has suspended in-person classes, but only for students in Grade 5 and below.
"Maple Ridge Christian School will remain open to in-person instruction for Grade 6 and above while Fraser Health undertakes care and contact management," the health authority said in a news release.
"Fraser Health is collaborating with the school as part of the outbreak response."
Promontory Heights Elementary in Chilliwack cancelled in-person classes entirely after 20 students and staff caught COVID-19. Officials said they're hoping students can return to classes on Oct. 4.
The sudden switch to remote learning has left many parents scrambling to make daycare plans. Tom McGregor, who has a son in Grade 1 at Promontory Heights, told CTV News several extended family members were helping him and his wife with child care week.
"You do kind of roll with the punches with COVID," he said Thursday. "Nobody really knows what's around the corner."
Some parents and teachers have expressed concerns about the return to in-person learning this school year, given the spread of the highly contagious Delta COVID-19 variant and the fact that children under the age of 12 are currently ineligible for vaccination.
More than 100 schools have notified families of possible coronavirus exposures since the start of the school year, and data from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control shows a spike in cases among elementary-aged children.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Penny Daflos and Michele Brunoro
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.