Further testing finds variant from the United Kingdom in some B.C. schools

The faster-spreading COVID-19 variant first discovered in the United Kingdom has made its way into some British Columbia schools.

A statement from the Fraser Health authority says it is working closely to manage exposures at six schools in the Surrey and Delta school districts.

Five of the schools are in Surrey: Woodward Hill, James Ardiel and A. H. P Matthew elementaries, and Kwantlen Park and Tamanawis high schools, along with Hellings Elementary School in Delta.

The authority says only those staff and students who have been identified as close contacts need to be tested and they have been contacted.

It says all the schools remain open.

Because this variant is new to the community and more easily transmissible, Fraser Health says it's working to identify any further cases to prevent further transmission.