The Vancouver School Board is extending its mask mandate to apply to all students from kindergarten to Grade 12.
It’s the first in B.C. to go beyond the provincial guidelines for masking in schools, which recommend the policy be in place for grades 4-12.
“Parents teach children those ages to do lots of things, including crossing the street safely,” said Barb Parrott, the trustee who introduced the motion on Monday night.
“That age can be taught to wear their masks and they are doing that”
The motion passed unanimously, and the board shared its decision on Twitter.
Get weekly health news
“There has been a lot of stress, per the letters that we have been receiving, from parents of students who, when the students come home, they are faced with vulnerable family members as well,” said trustee Allan Wong.
- U of T mathematician becomes first Canada-based Fields Medal recipient
- SOGI 123 program to continue in B.C. schools despite BC Conservative claims
- Ontario school boards record more deficits a year after supervisors sent in
- Ontario education minister ‘clarifying’ students will be allowed to miss class for sports
In its own tweet, the BC Teachers’ Federation applauded the board’s move, and thanked trustees for “stepping up to protect the safety of students, teachers, and staff.”
It’s not yet clear when the all-student mandate will go in to effect, but more details are expected in the coming days.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.