National

Two B.C. schools make closure decision: ministry

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Jan, 2022 05:44 PM

VICTORIA - Two schools have stopped in-person classes in British Columbia, less than two days after most students returned to classrooms following an extended holiday break due to the surging COVID-19 Omicron variant.

The Education Ministry says schools in Hazelton and Surrey recently made the decision.

Ginger Fuller, secretary treasurer of the Coast Mountain School District, says officials will meet Wednesday to decide when to reopen Hazelton Secondary School to regular classes after it was closed because of a staff shortage, which was the result of "illness."

The ministry said the independent Bibleway Christian Academy in Surrey has also suspended in-person classes.

No one from the school was immediately available to comment.

Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside says local school administration officials, including principals, make decisions about closing in-person classes and moving to temporary online teaching.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Lululemon says Omicron impacting sales, profits

Lululemon Athletica Inc. is lowering its fourth-quarter earnings estimates as the Omicron variant curbs the retailer's sales. The Vancouver-based company says it now expects its net revenue and earnings to be on the low end of previously announced ranges.

Lululemon says Omicron impacting sales, profits

BC Ferries says service disruptions expected

BC Ferries says a combination of the fast-spreading Omicron COVID-19 variant, a global shortage of mariners, severe weather and the flu season has the potential to disrupt ferry service over the next few months. The company says in a statement that the problem may hit inter-island routes hardest.

BC Ferries says service disruptions expected

6,966 COVID19 cases over 3 days

There are 34,551 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 243,953 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 431 individuals are in hospital and 95 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

6,966 COVID19 cases over 3 days

IHIT called out for a stabbing in Abbotsford

The victim has been identified as 41-year-old Ryan Lajeunesse from Abbotsford. Mr. Lajeunesse is known to police. Initial belief is that this was not a random incident. IHIT has processed the scene and is working in partnership with AbbyPD, the AbbyPD Forensic Identification Section (FIS), and the BC Coroners Service.

IHIT called out for a stabbing in Abbotsford

Robberies, assaults, and stabbings marked a violent weekend in Downtown: VPD

A 55-year-old cab driver was injured and traumatized Friday night after a passenger allegedly assaulted him with a weapon, threatened him, and forced him to drive from Richmond to Downtown Vancouver. The cabbie was allegedly ordered to drive through red lights and veer into oncoming traffic by the passenger, who appeared paranoid and thought people were following him.

Robberies, assaults, and stabbings marked a violent weekend in Downtown: VPD

Surrey RCMP locate deceased male inside Surrey home after a shooting

On Sunday evening, Jan 9, 2022 just before 6:00 p.m., Surrey RCMP was called to a residence in the 13500-block of 84Avenue for a report of deceased person located. Upon attendance, an adult male victim was found inside the residence and confirmed to be deceased.