Teachers Union concerned over contact tracing as students return

Students across sd58 are set to return to class today following an extra week of winter vacation.

Districts and schools were given an extra week to prepare for the students return as the omicron variant circulates the province.

Despite the added protocols being implemented, Nicola Valley Teachers’ Union President Peter Vogt still concerned about the safety of students and staff.

“We have some really big concerns about the contact tracing. Apparently, it isn’t going to be happening anymore. If we don’t know what’s happening in classrooms, and nobody is being identified as a close contact, that’s a concern,” said Vogt.

Teachers in Merritt are also facing the challenges of recovering from the floods and possibly setting up in a temporary location.

SD 58 Nicola-Similkameen Superintendent Steve McNiven joined Q101 News to address the protocols being implemented to help keeps students and staff safe.

“It is very similar to what we’ve seen and when I compare it, it’s more similar to the beginning of the pandemic. A lot of the protocols are things we’re very familiar with, the health check becomes very important, hand hygiene, proper mask wearing, making sure we have as much spacing as possible in our facilities,” said McNiven. “Really a re-emphasis of many the things we’re well versed in.”

Other restrictions related to extra-circulars have also been imposed.