Langley School District offices at 4875 222nd Street. An information bulletin issued by the district estimated there have been 236 COVID-19 notifications in 39 Langley schools since September (Langley Advance Times file)

Four more Langley schools report COVID exposures

There have been 236 cases in 29 schools since September, district reports

An information bulletin released by the Langley school district said as of Friday, April 30, there have been 236 COVID-19 notifications in 39 Langley schools since September.

“The month of April has been the most challenging thus far,” the online notice said.

“As cases in our schools reflect what’s happening in the community, we recognize the effects of the third wave in our province and region and are seeing this impact our school communities.

On Sunday, the district reported four more schools have reported COVID-19 cases.

Notices have been sent to families with children at Alice Brown Elementary, James Hill Elementary, Langley Secondary School and R.E. Mountain Secondary to advise that a person had tested positive for the coronavirus.

In each case, the person was self-isolating at home with support from local public health teams.

Fraser Health Authority will follow up with anyone potentially exposed to a confirmed case directly through contact tracing, the notices said.

READ ALSO: Fraser Health workplace closure system slow to report shutdowns

As of Sunday, May 2, 16 Langley school had reported COVID cases in the last two weeks of April, according to the updated Fraser Health online list.

R.E. Mountain Secondary and Peter Ewart Middle schools reported the most, four, during that period. H.D. Stafford, Langley Secondary, Shortreed, Walnut Grove and Willoughby each reported three cases.

In the April 30 bulletin, Supt. Gord Stewart said K-12 educational staff are happy they have been provided the opportunity to get vaccinated in the Fraser Health Authority.

“We have heard reports from administrators, teachers, and staff who have expressed relief and a sense of optimism.”

Staff vaccinations do not change the COVID-19 notification process in our schools or case and contact management by public health, the district added.

READ ALSO: Class of 2021 graduates, virtually, at Langley’s Trinity Western University

There was disappointing news for Langley grads, that under the current COVID-19 restrictions, large scale in-person graduation ceremonies, banquets and prom celebrations cannot go ahead.

“As a result, the District is working together with secondary schools to develop potential options but, will wait until after the May long weekend to make a decision on the formats of our graduation celebrations with the hope restrictions may change,” Stewart said.


Is there more to the story? Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Langley Advance Times