Premier Brian Pallister announced on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, that the province is now mandating masks for students in grades 4 to 12 when they return to school in September.
“We are committed to keeping our students safe as they return to school during this challenging and unprecedented time,” said Pallister. “We have listened to the concerns of parents, teachers, administrators, staff and students, and we believe that greater clarity and confidence is necessary for the safe return to school this fall. We are taking these additional measures to ensure the health and well-being of our children, as they are our most precious resource.”
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Masks will be required for students in grades 4 to 12 along with teachers, school staff and visitors to schools when physical distancing of two metres is not possible. Students in lower grades can wear masks but it is not mandated for them to do so. Parents and caregivers can choose if they want their younger children to wear a mask.
Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer said, “Wearing a mask offers an extra layer of protection, especially for indoor public spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained.” Roussin wen on to say, “We all have a role to play, and we want to be sure that we take every step we can to ensure the return to school is a safe one. This will help ensure there is consistency across the school system.”
As previously announced students from grades 4 to 12 along with bus drivers also must wear a mask on school buses. Masks should be put on prior to getting on the bus and taken off once students have left the bus.
© News4.ca 2020
