HUMBOLDT — The Horizon School Division has announced they will end their masking requirement in March.
This comes after the province announced that the requirement to provide proof of vaccination or negative tests in businesses, workplaces and other public venues will end on Feb. 14 at 12:01 a.m.
The remaining public health orders requiring masking in indoor public spaces will remain in effect until the end of February.
“As many of you know, the Government of Saskatchewan announced upcoming changes to the public health orders today,” said Kevin Garinger, Horizon’s director of education in a statement.
“We have all felt the impacts of COVID-19, and I know that adjusting to these changes has been challenging. As we have done throughout the pandemic, Horizon School Division will continue to follow the direction of our expert health officials and the Government of Saskatchewan.”
Effective Feb. 14, all Horizon schools will move to Level 2 for their levels of concern in their COVID-19 strategy. The physical education, performing arts, and return to sport protocols will remain at Level 2.
Level 2 is listed as a “moderate level of concern” and “moderate level of urgency.” Under this level, physical contact is discouraged; masking is required in the school setting, except when eating or drinking; masking is encouraged but not required for outdoor activities, recess breaks, or outdoor physical education classes; and masking will occur on all buses and other modes of transportation.
Administrative procedure for COVID-19 vaccination and test verification will also be removed on Feb. 14.
Effective March 1 in Horizon, mandatory masking requirements will be removed, however the Division stated that it will continue to be “mask-friendly," supporting individuals who wish to wear masks in Horizon facilities.
The Horizon School Division COVID-19 Strategy will cease effect during this time. Proper hand hygiene, and sanitization will be treated as best practice.
The Division is asking the community to continue to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home if they are sick.
For any additional questions, families are asked to contact their school principal or Horizon’s central office at 306-682-2558 or horizon@horizonsd.ca.
