Schools in Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon seeing fewer COVID-19 exposures
Schools throughout the Southern Interior are reporting fewer COVID-19 exposures — something that's most notable within the Central Okanagan.
Last month, the Central Okanagan school district, which encompasses the area from Peachland to Lake Country, peaked with 18 schools facing COVID-19 exposures on the Interior Health.
Today, that number is 10, with two school exposures being schools outside the purview of the district.
Central Okanagan superintendent of schools Kevin Kaardal said the change in fortune largely has to do with a drop of COVID 19 cases overall in the community, but other factors are at play also.
Students and staff are able to be outside more – both when at school and when at home and effective layered safety plans remain in place.
"More and more people are receiving vaccines as well," he said.
"I am pleased with the trend and hope it continues. I encourage people to get vaccinated when they have the opportunity. A safe community means even safer schools and fewer exposures."
Schools that are currently on the exposure list include George Elliot Secondary, École Kelowna Secondary, Kelowna Christian School, Ecole de L'Anse-au-Sable, Mount Boucherie Secondary School, Dr. Knox Middle School, Shannon Lake Elementary, Rutland Elementary, Rutland Secondary School and Pearson Road Elementary.
Interior Health said people involved in these exposures are self-isolating at home with support from local public health teams.
While Kelowna is seeing exposure notices subside, so too is everywhere else.
The Kootenay Lake school district has two exposures, Arrow Lakes has one, Vernon has none, the Okanagan Similkameen has one, the Kamloops Thompson District has two and the North Okanagan has one.
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