B.C. teachers’ return to work brings mixed feelings learning new COVID-19 procedures

Thousands of B.C public school teachers returned to the classroom today. But COVID-19 safety concerns continue to persist with the return of students just two days away. Greg Harper with more.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — From tranquil to terrified, how teachers feel about heading back to work on the first day during the pandemic is running the gamut.

Tuesday and Wednesday are designated orientation days for teachers and staff to go over COVID-19 safety procedures and planning.

Many – like Sandro Fracca, who teaches alternative high school – told NEWS 1130 they were surprised seeing the safety plan in place, which eased their fears.

“Obviously things are going to change and there will be a little bit of an adjustment period but as long as we can keep to the social contracts, we should be fine.”

Another Vancouver highschool teacher, who didn’t want her name used, says she’s more scared than ever for her and her four kids.

But she says at least the new teaching process has flexibility.

“If we do need to go home and stay home for a bit we can continue online. It’s not great but at least we’re planning with that in mind.”

She says she’s concerned things will fall apart, but she’s “trying to have a sense of humour and stay calm and deal with things one step at a time.”

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Many teachers say they are still not sure what happens and how the process works if they are ill.

Coquitlam high school teacher Alex Campbell says he was nervous going in but he thinks the plan they have is solid and safe.

“I am definitely a lot more at ease after having our big staff meeting this morning,” he says.

On Vancouver Island – where there are very few active cases – elementary school teacher Carmen Willington is also confident and says some things will need to be tweaked but overall.

“In terms of living in fear and worrying about my bubble, no absolutely not.”

Most B.C. students are heading back to class Thursday.

For the latest information on heading back to school in the province, click here.

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