It appears Prince George’s school district (SD57) can expect to see masks in its affiliated institutions when the calendar year gradually begins on Sept. 10.
The B.C. Ministry of Education announced today (Aug. 17) that masks will be required for teachers and staff in all public schools across the province during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as middle and secondary students, in high-traffic areas like buses, common areas such as hallways, or anytime outside of their learning cohort and physical distancing is hard to maintain.
In its release, the ministry does not list elementary school students as those who will be required to don a face-covering next month.
The government also says it’ll provide funding for the purchase of 1.5 million masks, which is said to be enough for ‘every public-school staff member and student to have at least two masks.’
However, like most other places where masks are required, exceptions will be in place for those who can’t wear a face covering for medical reasons.
“The guidelines also cover the key components of delivering K-12 education during the pandemic, including curriculum, report cards, supports for students with disabilities/diverse abilities, and finance and operations,” reads the province’s release.
“Even when wearing a mask, staff and students will still be required to maintain physical distance from people outside of their learning group. Efforts will be put in place to ensure there is not crowding, gathering or congregating of people from different learning groups in a school setting, even if non-medical masks are being worn. Schools will also ensure non-medical masks are available for staff if someone should become ill while at school.”
SD57 Board Chair Tim Bennett said in a message to PrinceGeorgeMatters the district is currently reviewing the guidelines and preparing its own plan based on stakeholder meetings.
"Information will be communicated out to parents, staff, families and community as soon as possible," he said.
"We know that there is a lot of questions and angst. Hoping to provide answers as they are available.
This is an update to the operational guidelines put in place by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, who’s said many times the risk of any potential spread of COVID-19 amongst children is little to none at this point of the pandemic.
She's also said during previous briefings masks wouldn't be required in the fall for students.
Canadian Shield, an Ontario-based personal protective equipment manufacturer, recently announced its donation of 54,500 additional face shields for K-12 schools in B.C., adding to the PPE inventory the province says will be available for students and staff.
B.C.’s Ministry of Education lists other health and safety guidelines for back-to-school on Sept. 10, which is two days after its regularly scheduled start date when teachers and staff will be given tutorials and sessions on COVID-19 safety moving forward.
This includes:
- Increased cleaning of high-contact surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, desks and chairs
- Increased hand hygiene with all students, staff and visitors being required to clean their hands before boarding school buses and entering school buildings, before and after eating, using the washroom and using playground equipment
- School districts may also install transparent barriers for people who have more contact with others, such as front-desk staff, bus drivers or food services staff, where appropriate
Bennett says for Prince George parents and guardians who have questions, comments or concerns about the changes and guidelines to email SD57's COVID-19 inbox at covid@sd57.bc.ca.
