Dear MEI Families,
The province of British Columbia is providing regular updates to schools on the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The B.C. Health Officer continues to advise that the risk to students, staff and school communities is LOW. MEI takes direction from the Ministries of Health and Education via our connections through the Federation of Independent School Associations (FISA).
We will share the latest updates and advice from the province.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your school office.
Vijay Manuel
February 14th, 2020 Update:
On Feb. 14, the Minister of Health and the Provincial Health Officer issued a joint statement announcing B.C.’s fifth (presumed) case of novel coronavirus (COVID-2019) – a woman in her 30’s, living in the Interior Health region. The woman traveled to Vancouver from Shanghai. The woman displayed symptoms shortly after arrival and promptly self-isolated and contacted public health officials.
For more information, please see joint statement:
Please note provincial recommendations on travel related, self isolation:
The Provincial Health Officer is advising people who have been to Hubei province in the last 14 days, or who have been in contact with someone who has, to call public health officials and self-isolate for 14 days.
The Provincial Health Officer is also advising that 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. Translation services for 811 are available in more than 130 languages.
Reducing the risk
The BC Centre for Disease Control recommends that to reduce the risk of exposure to novel coronavirus, employ the same measures that are taken in relation to colds and flu:
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and hot water (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread).
- Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands, and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow).
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched workspace surfaces.
- Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise in moderation).
- Stay home if you are sick.
A new toll-free phone number (1-833-784-4397) has been established to answer questions from Canadians about the 2019 novel coronavirus.
Useful Links
Feb. 6 joint statement from the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer:
Feb. 4 joint statement from the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer:
Feb. 3 joint statement from the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer
Ministry of Health response plans
Novel Coronavirus Q&A from HealthLinkBC
BC Centre for Disease Control
Government of Canada - Novel Coronavirus in China Travel Health Notice
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