Families attending schools within the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division were advised on Thursday that wearing masks outdoors is no longer mandatory, but it is encouraged for use by students.
Some of the factors in this decision was the reduced number of active COVID cases in the southeast, increased vaccination rates, a recent heat wave and community adjustments.
“If students are not wearing masks, we will encourage activities where physical distancing is possible. Students will remain in their cohorts and in their designated spaces,” said director of education Gwen Keith in a letter to all parents.
She noted that medical health officers advise that wearing a mask while outdoors is still an important layer of protection, particularly when children are not able to physically distance.
Part of the concern were several days in a row when heat warnings were in place, which can make mask-wearing very uncomfortable.
The public health order for wearing masks indoors remains in effect for all students, staff and visitors until they are advised otherwise by the province.
