This section of useful links have been approved by the Ministry of Education as having accurate information about COVID-19 and the Province's response.
Updates for Return to School (posted in chronological order)
- Ministry of Education – BC’s Back to School Plan
- Ministry of Education – News Release – K-12 operational guidelines set requirements for masks
- Ministry of Education – News Release – Orientation week ensures a safe, ready and welcome return to school
- Ministry of Education – News Release – Plan to safely bring K-12 students back to class full time
Useful Links
- Ministry of Education – Resources for Parents / Caregivers of Children with Disabilities or Diverse Needs
- Ministry of Education – Keep Learning Website
- Minister Fleming’s Letter to Parents – March 27, 2020
- Ministry of Education – March 27, 2020 – Frequently Asked Questions on Continuity of Learning
- COVID-19 Provincial support and Information
- Education Minister Rob Fleming announces on March 17, 2020 in-school classes are suspended until further notice. The Minister’s letter to parents and staff can be found here.
- Information about COVID-19, including information for schools and families, from the BC Centre for Disease Control.
- All joint statements from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
- The Provincial Pandemic Coordination Plan.
- KIDS and COVID-19 Q&A.
- CBC Kids along with the PHO produced a kid-centric Q and A video about COVID-19.
- Ministry of Health response plans.
Please see the latest updates from the Ministry of Education and Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Public Health Officer on COVID-19. All entries are chronologically entered and the latest update (top entry) will be the most up-to-date information the parties have to provide. We understand the uncertainty of these ever-changing times and are doing out best to keep our community informed.
Update – May 12, 2020
Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 7 new cases in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,360. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,832. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – May 11, 2020
Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 23 new cases (9 cases from Saturday/Sunday and 14 cases today) of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,353. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,719. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – May 8, 2020
Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 29 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,315. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,579. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0026-000847
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Update – May 7, 2020
Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 33 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,288. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,512. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
Also released today, see a joint statement for Child and Youth Mental Health Day with Minister Darcy, Minister Conroy and Minister Fleming – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MMHA0026-000829
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Update – May 6, 2020
Premier John Horgan, joined by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix, announced B.C.’s Restart Plan this afternoon. Here is the news release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0026-000826
As part the plan, the province has outlined the Ministry of Education’s five stage approach to supporting students, families and staff. Here is the backgrounder – Scroll down to page 3 to see Education! https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BG_Parks_and_Sites_and_In-Class_Learning.pdf
Also today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix, announced 23 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,255. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,494. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0026-000825
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Update – May 5, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix, announced 8 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,232. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,472. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – May 4, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 53 new cases over two days (34 on Sunday and 19 today) of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2224. The PHO also shared new modeling on the possible trajectory of the virus in B.C. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Watch NEWS 1130 on Facebook Live this Saturday, May 2nd at 1:00 pm. Dr. Henry and Minister Fleming will join Legislative Reporter Liza Yuzda and Breakfast Television’s Thor Diakow to take questions and speak directly to kids – https://www.citynews1130.com/event/covid-questions-from-kids/?fbclid=IwAR35q0JBZSqszMJ-08iU6FrVfM46sqzU3QtmyLpAuO1CFVCAzapMeJpBEuM
Update – May 1, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 33 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2,145. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1,357. The joint statement is posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 30, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 25 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2112. The total number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. is 1322. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 29, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 34 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2087. Note: To date, 1305 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 28, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 53 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 2053. Note: To date, 1231 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 27, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 50 new cases from Sunday and Monday (39 cases from Sunday, 11 cases from Monday) of COVID-19 in B.C., bringing the total number of cases to 1998. Note: To date, 1190 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 24, 2020
NEW information: Check out the new “Good News in Education” webpage highlighting remarkable stories of students, educators, parents, staff and communities who are going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic as they find new creative ways of learning and teaching. New stories will be added every week! https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/safe-caring-and-orderly-schools/good-news
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 29 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. through a statement, bringing the total number of cases to 1853. Note: To date, 1114 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0020-000756
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Update – April 23, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 29 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1824. Note: To date, 1092 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 22, 2020
Please read! See a Ministry of Education news release from earlier today re: School district Meal programs – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0032-000734
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 71 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1795. Note: To date, 1079 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 21, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 25 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1724. Note: To date, 1041 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 20, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 52 new cases (29 from Sunday, 23 today) of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1699. Note: To date, 1039 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, have now recovered. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 17, 2020
Please read! The Ministry of Education, released a news release today re: new, free virtual educational programs for students, parents and educators are supporting social and emotional well-being – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0029-000709
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 43 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1618. Note: 966 people have now fully recovered that’s a 62% recovery rate. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0020-000707
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Update – April 16, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 14 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1575. Note: 983 people have now fully recovered that’s a 62% recovery rate. The joint statement is now posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0020-000707
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Update – April 15, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 44 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1561. Note: 955 people have now fully recovered that’s a 61% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 14, 2020
Minister Fleming released an Op-Ed (Education Week in extraordinary times) in the Vancouver Sun – https://vancouversun.com/opinion/rob-fleming-educators-are-taking-their-creativity-and-compassion-to-a-whole-new-level/
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 27 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1517. Note: 942 people have now fully recovered that’s a 62% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 9, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 34 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1370. Note: 858 people have now fully recovered that’s a 62% recovery rate. Here is the link to where the joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
Here’s a link to today’s PHO briefing, educators are mentioned around the 13 minute mark. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbER4Sxdn0R5jvMRXJo7tEVE2W_-SFcTC
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Update – April 8, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 45 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1336. Note: 838 people have now fully recovered that’s a 63 % recovery rate. Here is the link to where the joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
Check out this poster on the Fraser Health website “7 Tips for talking to kids about COVID-19” – https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/coronavirus/coronavirus—resources#.Xo4_lbNYZPZ
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Update – April 7, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 25 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1291. Note: 805 people have now fully recovered that’s 62% recovery rate. Here is the link to the joint statement on the Ministry of Health newsroom – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0124-000641
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Update – April 6, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 63 new cases over a two-day period (26 new cases from Sunday, and 37 new cases today) of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1266. Note: 783 people have now fully recovered that’s 62% recovery rate. Here is the link to the joint statement on the Ministry of Health newsroom – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0124-000641
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Update – April 3, 2020
Please watch: Education Minister Rob Fleming answers questions submitted by Global BC viewers. The segment, called “Focus BC,” will air on BC1 throughout the weekend and next week and will be posted on the website later this afternoon – https://globalnews.ca/national/program/focus-bc
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 53 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1174. Note: 673 people have now fully recovered that’s a 57% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 2, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 55 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1121. Note: 641 people have now fully recovered that’s a 57% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – April 1, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 53 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1066. Note: 606 people have now fully recovered that’s a 57% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update – March 31, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 43 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 1013. Note: 507 people have now fully recovered that’s a 50% recovery rate. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today – https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
Also, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, released this information bulletin today, “Province helps essential service workers find child care” that includes an update for K-12 parents too. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020CFD0017-000599
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Update – March 30, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 86 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 970. Note: 469 people have now fully recovered. Here is the joint statement on the Ministry of Health newsroom – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0115-000594
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Update – March 27, 2020
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 67 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 792. Note: 275 people have now fully recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. Here is the joint statement – https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2017-2021/2020HLTH0113-000581.htm
News release guidelines for school leaders and website – This afternoon, the Ministry of Education launched Keep Learning – https://www.openschool.bc.ca/keeplearning/, so families can find ideas for everyday educational activities, links to free learning resources, as well as how to help children learn and how to ensure their well-being while they’re at home. Note: Teachers and schools will have primary responsibility for continuous learning.
Here is the news release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0026-000580
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Update – March 26, 2020
IMPORTANT UPDATES TODAY: Added state of emergency measures in B.C., new cases and please read the new Ministry of Education public/parent FAQs.
Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 66 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 725. Note: 186 people have now full recovered from COVID-19. The joint statement will be posted on the Ministry of Health newsroom later today: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
Today, Premier Horgan and Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced they are using extraordinary powers under a state of provincial emergency to keep British Columbians safe, maintain essential goods and services, and support the Province’s ongoing response to novel coronavirus. They announced a series of ministerial orders to ensure a co-ordinated response to COVID-19 across all levels of government for the duration of the provincial emergency.
Here is the NR – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0020-000568. Scroll down to the bottom of this NR and see the backgrounder with a new list of essential services in B.C.
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Update – March 25, 2020
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases to 659. Here is the joint statement on the Ministry of Health newsroom: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0107-000563
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Update March 24, 2020
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 145 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases in B.C. to 617. The joint statement can be found on the Ministry of Health newsroom here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update March 23, 2020
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 48 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases in B.C. to 472.
100 of the 472 cases are considered recovered. The joint statement can be found on the Ministry of Health newsroom here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
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Update March 19, 2020
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced 40 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. bringing the total number of cases in B.C. to 271. The joint statement will be posted later this afternoon, on the Ministry of Health newsroom here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health
Town Hall: Global BC is hosting a town hall live at 6:30 pm tonight. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry will take questions from the public. More information can be found here: https://globalnews.ca/news/6692817/bonnie-henry-adrian-dix-coronavirus-questions-global-town-hall/