School Exposure Notification Process
The information below outlines the process Northern Health follows when a school exposure is reported:
Northern Health COVID-19 school notification process:
If a student or teacher receives a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result, Public Health follows a rigorous protocol:
- Contact tracing is initiated by Public Health to determine how the individual was infected and who they were in close contact with.
- Public Health will identify and notify close contacts who may be at an increased risk, and advise them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
- Only Public Health can determine who is a close contact. Learning groups, friends or other connections may not be determined to be a close contact.
- Public Health staff works closely with the school and school district throughout the case and contact management process to maintain close communication with the school community.
If your child’s school receives a notification of exposure:
A notification does not mean your child has been exposed to COVID-19.
If you do not receive a phone call or letter from Public Health, your child should continue to attend school. You can monitor your child for COVID-19 symptoms daily using the BC COVID-19 Health Assessment Tool.
For more information and resources regarding COVID-19, visit the Coronavirus Information (COVID-19) page or B.C.'s Back to School Plan
If your child’s school has been notified of an exposure, no action is required unless you are contacted by Public Health or are otherwise directed by school officials.
