The Saanich School District has cancelled more overseas trips, including one to England, France and Spain by Parkland Secondary, a trip by North Saanich and Royal Oak middle schools to Germany, Switzerland, France and England and a Stelly’s Secondary trip to the Netherlands, France and Belgium.
Also cancelled by the Comox Valley School District is a trip to Germany by students from Mark R. Isfeld Secondary. Trips to Italy by G.P. Vanier Secondary and to China by Highland Secondary were previously cancelled.
The Greater Victoria School District is stepping up cleaning practices and hand hygiene in schools, in accordance with direction from public-health officials. “Efforts are being put in place to daily clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces,” superintendent Shelley Green said in a letter to parents and guardians. Those include desktops, chair backs, tabletops, light switches, door knobs, handrails, water fountains and washrooms.
The City of Victoria says it has also stepped up cleaning protocols and installed hand-hygiene stations at city hall and other city facilities, but no events or programs have been cancelled or rescheduled. “We continue to monitor and are in close contact with provincial health officials,” said city spokesman Bill Eisenhauer.
A speaking engagement by Michelle Obama at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre is still on, according to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce: “We have been in touch with her representatives and the March 31 event is a go,” Christine Lewis, events and stakeholder relations manager said.
The City of Nanaimo is working with partners on prevention measures recommended by health officials, and city operations, including recreational programming, continue as scheduled.
“We encourage the public to follow the recommendations of health authorities to protect themselves and others as they would during cold and flu season,” said Jake Rudolph, Nanaimo’s chief administration officer.
— Compiled by Jeff Bell and Carla Wilson
