File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

COVID-19

Masks mandated for all K-to-12 children in B.C. schools starting Monday

Oct 1, 2021 | 11:34 AM

VICTORIA — Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has announced an expanded mask mandate in B.C. schools. Starting Monday (Oct. 4), all students from K-to-12 will be required to wear masks indoors.

Previously, the mandate only covered students in Grades 4 and up.

Henry says, as the fourth wave reaches its height in B.C., this is a way to ensure students can continue in-person learning.

“We need to make changes to fit the situation as it’s arising. We know the COVID-19 virus is being transmitted more rapidly, particularly to those who don’t have the protection that vaccination offers,” said Henry. “This extra measure adds another layer of protection as we navigate this phase of the pandemic.”

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“In-person learning is crucial for the social and educational well-being of students,” added Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside. “The health and safety guidelines in our schools were developed under the guidance and direction of the Public Health Office (PHO) and BC Centre for Disease Control to allow children to safely attend school on a full-time, in-person basis.”

Meantime, Henry says beginning this month, she will release a report every month that will tell the public how COVID-19 is affecting school-aged children.