SD 57 looking at options for restart, mandatory masks not on the table

PRINCE GEORGE — An announcement in Alberta today outlined the province’s back to school plan with masks being mandatory for staff and grade four to 12 students. BC’s back to school plan does not currently have masks mandatory, in fact, BC’s Provincial Health Officer dismissed the idea during today’s briefing.

“We absolutely do see masks in certain aspects of school being important, particularly where adults are together and where children can’t maintain those safe distances so that’s all part of it,” Dr. Bonnie Henry said. “But no, we have no intention for making mandatory masks and I actually don’t believe there is evidence to support mask-wearing by children in the classroom setting.”

Plans are being looked at for all levels of schooling in School District 57 for its own guidelines once school resumes. On the subject of masks, the district will provide them for staff who want one. Grade eight to 12 students on the bus will be required to wear a mask. Board Chair Tim Bennett said they have had some informal discussions about guidelines but it’s still too early to make any firm decisions.