Kingston’s public school board has voted to have all students wear masks while on the bus and in class for the coming school year during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Under provincial regulations, all students from Grade 4 to 12 are required to wear a mask if they are to return to school.
The Limestone District School Board had previously proposed that on top of that, they would be strongly encouraging masking in students from kindergarten to Grade 3.
At a special board meeting Wednesday night, a motion to require masks for students Grade 3 and under passed unanimously.
The motion notes that the implementation of the masking will b done with “compassion and a focus on education.”
“For younger students from kindergarten to Grade 3, staff will explore alternatives, such as face shields, for students who are unable to wear masks,” the motion read.
The motion also specified there would be no disciplinary action for any students Grade 3 and under who have difficulty complying with the direction, and that allowances for health issues will be made.