K-12 educators in BC receive thousands of rapid test kits

NORTHERN BC- This week, 200,000 rapid antigen test kits are being shipped to the K-12 sector across the province. They are to be used by staff, teachers and administrators with symptoms of COVID-19.

The number of teaching and non-teaching staff will determine the number of tests received by each school district, independent schools and First Nation schools. In BC, there are approximately 86,700 public school employees, 16,000 employees of independent schools and 1,000 employees in First Nation schools.

The Ministry of Health and the Office of the Public Health Officer continue to direct how rapid antigen tests are best used as part of the provincial pandemic response, including if additional tests will be deployed for use in the K-12 sector.