SD60 confirms mandatory mask use for Grades 4 and up with exceptions

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C – School District 60 received updated health guidelines from the province, which includes mandatory masks for grades 4 to 12 at all times when indoors.

In a letter sent out to parents Wednesday, superintendent Stephen Petrucci says middle and secondary schools will be required to wear masks indoors as of April 6th. The district will gradually implement mandatory masks for grades 4 to 6 from April 6th to 9th.

“Overall, we are encouraging the entire K to 12 system to wear masks effective immediately as per the announcement on March 29th by Dr. [Bonnie Henry],” says Petrucci in the letter.

Mask use will be required within and outside learning groups and on buses, with some exceptions.

Staff, students and visitors will be exempt from wearing masks for the following reasons:

•A person  cannot tolerate wearing a mask for health or behavioural reasons;
• A person is unable to put on or remove a mask without the assistance of another
person;
• The mask is removed temporarily to identify the person wearing it;
• The mask is removed temporarily to engage in an educational activity that cannot be performed while wearing a mask (e.g. playing a wind instrument, engaging in high-intensity physical activity, etc.);
• A person is eating or drinking;
• A person is behind a barrier; or
• while providing a service to a person with a disability or diverse ability (including but not limited to hearing impairment) where visual cues, facial expressions and/or lip reading/movements is important.

The district says schools won’t require a health care provider note to confirm if staff, students or visitors cannot wear a mask. No student should be prevented from attending or fully participating at school if they do not wear a mask.

“We are the only jurisdiction in Canada that has been able to maintain in-person learning thus far with no extended breaks. Some of you will be pleased with the recent updates, while others will be completely opposed. Regardless, your children are welcome in school.”

The district is confident a “more regular start-up” will occur in September as the vaccination rollout is underway.

Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry announced the changes to the guidelines Monday.