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
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
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.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
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.