EAST CENTRAL — Horizon School Division students in Grades 4 and above will be required to wear masks in school in cases where physical distancing is not possible.
“This includes in hallways, common areas, and in classrooms where a two metre (six feet) physical distance cannot be maintained,” said an Aug. 14 memo to staff and parents signed by Kevin Garinger, the division’s director of education, and Jim Hack, its board of education chair.
“Masks will be required for students on all buses, regardless of age. Bus Drivers will be required to wear masks while loading and unloading children. All staff in Horizon School Division will be required to wear a mask when two metre physical distancing is not possible.”
The division said it will provide disposable masks for student and staff use. It is also in the process of is purchasing a reusable cloth mask for all students and staff. A clear face mask will be provided for speech pathologist and other situations where mouth movements must be seen.
As well, the division said its working on getting face shields for all staff, to be used as deemed appropriate.
“I ask families to include a non-medical cloth mask as part of your student’s school supplies,” the letter said.
The province’s back to school COVID-19 plan has four levels. The first level is to operate school as close to normal as possible. The second level – which is what the division has decided to start the school year at – requires mask usage. The third level would involve reducing classroom capacity, while the fourth would see in-class learning suspended.
School divisions were given the option to start at either the first level or the second level.
“This is not a decision that we felt should be rushed, so we appreciate your patience. It is also not a decision that we take lightly,” said the letter. “However, it is one that we feel, and the evidence suggests, will help ensure the health and safety of students and staff returning to schools in the fall.”
