This petition was made in order to kindly request that the plan of re-opening schools on September 10th be reconsidered. Here are the following reasons listed of why it should be reconsidered: 

1. Masks are a requirement for those starting grade six to twelve, meaning that it’s entirely optional for those under. While in Alberta, the requirement is from grades four-twelve. Masks have already been proven to promote flattening the curve so a reinforcement of masks is critical!

2. Masks are only mandated in busses and busy hallways; thus, classrooms are practically optional. 

3. The maximum capacity of students is way too high in one building where 120 students will be in a building for secondary schools. 

4. Many students live with those who are immunocompromised and the elderly, which for a fact we know that the mortality rate is higher for those individuals 

5. Vaping is predominantly high among the youth, thus they likely have already respiratory issues such as popcorn lungs. Meaning that if they contract it, they will be met with more difficult consequences 

6. Students could be potentially pre-symptomatic and spread the virus while they’re at school 

7. Teachers! They’re risking their lives in order to go to work where they will need to see many students

8. In the state of Georgia, there has been instances of where students have been found to attend school despite being tested positive for COVID-19. Therefore, the same could be possible! 

9. Cases are skyrocketing in B.C. which means hospitalizations are also increasing. If schools are opened, we are looking at potential outbreaks and more cases.

10. Young people are still at risk of dying even if they’re healthy. A recent instance of this was in Montreal, Quebec where a healthy 19 year old dies from COVID-19, becoming the province’s first under 20 victim. 

If these reasons are not convincing enough, I ask that you please state your reasoning. Lives are being put at stake and it is selfish to re-open schools while in the midst of a pandemic. It is a menacing idea to be sending your kids to school with the current plan. 

*Disclaimer: This petition was not created nor intended to promote any forms of  “fear-mongering” to the public.*

*According to CBC News, as of August 26th, 2020, a lawsuit has already been pledged to the Supreme Court proclaiming that the back to school plan endangers students, teachers, and the public.* 

Please sign this petition, share it, and send this to Rob Flemming who is the BC Education Minister. 

Additionally, call your MLA and voice your concern. The fight is not over for the safety of the public! 

Change must happen now!