Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK

Schools in B.C. are on track to fully open next week following the extended holiday break due to the surge of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Although provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry continues to insist that schools are the safest place for children to be during the pandemic, the risk schools are tasked to plan for includes staffing shortages.

"I have tasked schools specifically to take stock and prepare plans to safely operate with the potential for staff shortages and reduce the risk for operational closures," Dr. Henry said at a press conference today, Jan. 4. "While schools are most definitely a reflection of transmission among the community, they are not... a major source of transmission."

COVID-19 vaccines continue to be distributed across the province including nearly 145,000 doses of the Pfizer pediatric vaccine, according to Health Minister Adrian Dix. That dose is recommended for children between the ages of five and 11, while 89% of people 12 and older in B.C. have received two vaccine doses.

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On Monday, Jan. 10, B.C. schools are planning to fully reopen, but not without apprehension. The B.C. Teachers Federation has said the province had more to do to prepare before opening school doors again.

But as the pediatric vaccines are rolled out, teachers are among those who are also being prioritized for booster vaccines, Dr. Henry said.

"Thankfully we know that COVID-19, even with the Omicron variant, remains mild in most children. And we know with the availability of vaccines, it reduces the risk in schools for children and staff," Dr. Henry said.

While she acknowledged that parents may feel cautious about having their children vaccinated, especially those under 11, she insisted data across B.C. and globally shows the pediatric vaccine is safe for use.

"We have lots of really good information on millions of children around the world, and it is safe, it is working and kids are doing great," Dr. Henry said. "I would encourage all parents to make sure you have the information you need - talk to your family doctor, talk to your pediatrician, talk to your pharmacist... This is a very safe vaccine, and it works and it's good for all of our kids."

READ MORE: Omicron variant makes up 80% of COVID-19 case in B.C.

She said, however, that children who are more at risk should pause extra-curricular activities as a safe guard against possible transmission.

In total, 144,822 children between five and 11 years old have received their first dose of the pediatric vaccine, Dix said.

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