School District 43 has cancelled five upcoming student trips to Europe, Asia and Africa due to concerns about possible risks to students related to the spread of COVID-19.
Four high schools in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam that had trips planned in March are affected and families whose teens were looking forward to going abroad are being contacted, SD43 said Wednesday afternoon, adding that district staff are looking at ways to work with travel providers to see what insurance policies are available for claims and refunds.
“The COVID-19 situation is rapidly changing and complex but decisions must be made with the available information and in a timely fashion,” SD43 superintendent Patricia Gartland stated in a letter today, Wednesday, March 4, to students, parents and staff.
"As in previous years, there are a number of school trips planned over spring break. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and corresponding travel advisories issued by many countries, including Canada, the district has had to take the necessary precaution of cancelling some of these trips."
SD43 joins Surrey and Vancouver school districts in cancelling field trips because of concerns about student safety due to the novel coronavirus.
In making its decision, SD43 considered Health Canada advisories about potential health risks as well the disruption that could have occurred had students and staff required quarantining either overseas or upon their return to Canada.
Parents who are taking their own children on trips overseas during upcoming spring break scheduled for March 16-27 are also being asked to consider the possibility of a quarantine when they return.
“Individuals should be cognizant of the government of Canada travel advisories and the most recent bulletins from health authorities. There have already been instances in the region where those returning from overseas travel have been urged to self-quarantine and avoid areas with many people for 14 days upon their return to Canada. Countries impacted may change as the scope of the situation continues to evolve,” the SD43 letter notes.
The secondary schools affected by this decision are Centennial, Dr. Charles Best, Pinetree and Terry Fox, and only trips in March taking place near or during spring break are affected.
“International trips planned for April and May, North American trips for April and May are being monitored and discussed for future discussions,” Ken Hoff, SD43 spokesperson confirmed in an email to The Tri-City News.
