The Ministries of Health and Education have put out a joint media release concerning the coronavirus.
See below for an excerpt or click HERE to read the entire release.
The Ministry of Education will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health, local health authorities and other levels of government to ensure students and educators are kept informed and safe.
The risk of spread of this virus within British Columbia remains low at this time.
All necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of infection. We have multiple systems in place to prepare for, detect and respond, in order to prevent the spread of serious infectious diseases in the province. The BC Centre for Disease Control has a team of experts that support the Province’s operations in monitoring and controlling communicable and vaccine-preventable diseases. The team has developed a diagnostic test for this new coronavirus and is co-ordinating staff and supplies to ensure potential cases can be detected quickly and accurately.
It is not necessary for the general public to take special precautions beyond the usual measures recommended to prevent other common respiratory viruses during the winter period. Regular handwashing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately and avoiding contact with sick people are important ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illness generally.
Anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus should contact their primary-care provider, local public health office or call 811.
We all play a role in dispelling rumours that may lead to inappropriate discrimination against people. Only people who are experiencing symptoms may transmit an illness, it is not related to race or ethnicity. It is important to check trusted sources for information on coronavirus.
If you have further questions, see the BCCDC website: http://www.bccdc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/2020/information-on-novel-coronavirus