Would a school-wide vaccine mandate slow COVID-19 cases in schools?
That's the question being pondered as school districts across the province consider making the shot mandatory for staff.
In School District 43 (SD43), where as many as 13 schools have had recent exposures, Tri-City teachers are taking a wait-and-see approach to a possible vaccine mandate.
"In principle, we don’t oppose a vaccine mandate, but we want members’ rights protected regarding medical privacy, accommodation and the right to a fair process for people refusing the vaccine," said Ken Christensen, president of the Coquitlam Teachers Association.
SD43 officials have yet to confirm whether discussions are being held at the board table or among senior leadership about a possible vaccine mandate.
However, the BC Teachers' Federation (BCTF) has encouraged its members to get vaccinated to avoid any possible financial penalties — if a mandate is imposed.
"However, to be clear, we don’t know what the consequences would be and neither does your local union,” President Teri Mooring state in a letter to members.
“If you are not vaccinated and do not have a legitimate exemption, you should start planning now to get the vaccine. It could potentially affect your pay, your benefits and even your pension.”
“We just don’t know at this point and we may be limited in what we can do to help you,” Mooring wrote.
Both CUPE, the union for school support workers, and the BCTF have publicly stated that they do not oppose vaccine mandates.
The teachers' union also promised to work with the employer's association to make sure anyone not vaccinated is treated fairly.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases and school exposure continue to mount in the Tri-Cities, despite a high rate of vaccination.
The BC Centre for Disease Control reported 139 cases of COVID-19 in the week
of Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, up from 130 the week previously.
Fraser Health has posted the names of 11 schools with recent COVID-19 exposures, including Dr. Charles Best Secondary School, which has multiple exposure dates.
The schools listed on Fraser Health's school exposure website include:
- CABE: Sept. 23 and 24
- Castle Park Elementary : Sept. 22, 23, 24 and 27
- Centennial Secondary: Sept. 23, 27 and 28
- Eagle Ridge Elementary: Sept. 27
- Dr. Charles Best Secondary: Sept. 22, 23, 24, 27, 28 and 29 and Oct. 1
- Glenayre Elementary: Sept. 27 and 28
- Panorama Heights Elementary: Sept. 27, 28 and 29
- Gleneagle Secondary: Sept. 21, 22 and 23
- Hillcrest Middle: Oct. 1
- James Park Elementary: Sept. 27, 28 and 29, and Oct. 1 and 4
- Parkland Elementary: Oct. 1
- Riverview Park Elementary: Sept. 27 and 28
- Smiling Creek Elementary: Sept. 28
