Hand hygiene
Rigorous hand washing with plain soap and water or using an effective hand sanitizer reduces
the spread of illness. Everyone should practice diligent hand hygiene and schools should
facilitate regular opportunities for students and staff to wash their hands. To learn about how to
perform hand hygiene, please refer to the BCCDC’s hand hygiene poster.
Respiratory Etiquette
Parents and staff can teach and reinforce good respiratory etiquette practices among students,
including:
• Cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue. Throw away used tissues and
immediately perform hand hygiene.
• Refrain from touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Refrain from sharing any food, drinks, unwashed utensils, cigarettes, or vaping
devices.
Non-Medical Masks and Face Coverings
The decision to wear a mask beyond when it is required by public health is a personal one,
based on individual preference. Some students and staff may choose to continue to wear a non-
medical mask or face covering throughout the day or for certain activities. The choice of staff
and students to choose whether they practice additional personal prevention measures should
be respected. Information on non-medical masks is available from