(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Masking in Schools

Horizon School Division implements ‘masking breaks’ as masking becomes mandatory for all students

Nov 30, 2020 | 1:00 PM

New public health measures came into effect in Saskatchewan on Friday, Nov. 27.

Included in the new measures in masking in school being expanded to students in pre-kindergarten all the way up to Grade three. Previously, it was just Grades four to 12 that masking was mandated. Now, all students and visitors over the age of two are mandated to wear them unless they are medically unable, or are doing aquatic fitness. Horizon School Division posted on their Facebook page a memo with the latest measures and how it affects them.

“For Horizon School Division, we are not in a position at this time where masking will occur outdoors,” said Director of Education Kevin Garinger. “We believe that we are managing that effectively.”

Garinger added that they have been approved by public health to implement ‘masking breaks’ throughout the day to give the students some type of break from wearing their masks, and still being socially distanced. Garinger said it’s going to be a process making the younger students wear their masks more often, but he believes in those at the school level to have that conversation.

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“With their care and attention and love for the kids that we have in our system,” he said. “They will help them understand.”

Masking was already mandatory on busses and Garinger said there were already a number of students in the Pre-K to Grade 3 range that were wearing masks.

Garinger added that while it is going to be a process, there is a long-term goal at play.

“We do what we can right now, so that our future can look brighter,” he said. “And I think that’s the message that’s really clear.”

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6