(File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Back to School

Students and staff mask use ‘strongly recommended’ in NESD

Aug 30, 2021 | 5:17 PM

Masking is being strongly recommended when school begins later this week in the North East School Division (NESD).

The province wide masking mandate for indoor public places was lifted on July 11 but nonetheless, precautionary measures will continue in schools.

Director of Education Don Rempel told northeastNOW the safe practices that were in place in schools last year will remain this year.

“Most of the province is either strongly recommending or requiring some level of mask use in different settings,” Rempel said.

The NESD moved from ‘recommending’ mask use in schools to ‘strongly recommending’ masks after an increase in COVID-19 cases in the region.

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“Based on the case count in the northeast right now, it will be the same starting point for all schools across the school division,” Rempel said.

The same measures will be in place for all students and staff whether they are vaccinated or not, according to Rempel: “masking in common areas where students and staff are in close proximity of large numbers of students.”

The safe school plan was updated today to include mask-use in classrooms as well as the common areas like hallways, washrooms, and libraries. Mask use is also strongly recommended when in shared spaces such as buses.

There is no current recommendations on outdoor activities like recess and outdoor physical education class.

He said consultations will continue with local public health officials and changes are possible should the situation improve.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority will offer school targeted vaccination clinics like those offered in the spring. Any individuals who are turning 12 in the current year are eligible for their vaccine.

A resumption of extra curricular activities, clubs, and sports that have not been able to go ahead over the past year is something Rempel said staff and students are all looking forward to this school year.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser