Some Canadian post-secondary institutions are warning students not to toss their masks just yet, even as provincial governments drop the long-standing public health measure.
The schools are opting for a more cautious approach to COVID-19, citing concerns about potential outbreaks, while provinces -- including British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario -- have pointed to promising public health indicators such as test positivity rates and hospitalizations as reasons for lifting mask mandates.
The University of Alberta, meanwhile, has told students they must wear a mask until March 16, while that province lifted the rule on March 1. Going forward, masking will be "recommended, not required" at the university. In Ontario, where the mask mandate will lift March 21, Western University, the University of Waterloo and Mohawk College have all said they plan to require that students wear masks for the rest of the winter term.
The school has been in touch with local public health officials, the statement said, and they confirmed that COVID-19 is still spreading in the community.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Some Ontario post-secondary schools to keep mask mandates in placeMohawk College, Western University and the University of Waterloo plan to require students wear masks for the rest of the winter term
Read more »
School board ‘expected’ to follow province in lifting mask mandate: Ontario government | Globalnews.ca'School boards in this province are expected to implement this cautious plan, coupled with the ongoing improvement of air ventilation within Ontario classrooms.'
Read more »
'They aren't medical experts:' Premier Ford warns boards not to maintain mask mandate in schoolsPremier Doug Ford is discouraging school boards from seeking extensions to the lifting of the mask mandate later this month, telling reporters that trustees “aren’t medical experts” and should simply follow the advice of Ontario’s top health official.
Read more »
Education minister defends March 21 end date for mask mandate in Ontario schoolsThe Ontario Principals\u0027 Council opposes the decision, arguing families may be travelling over March break, leading to increased risk of spreading COVID
Read more »
Coronavirus Update: Ontario lifting mask mandates in most public settings, including schools, on March 2March 9: Masks will still be required on public transit, in long-term care, retirement homes and other health care and congregate care settings
Read more »
Lecce defends end date for Ontario school mask mandate amid calls for more timeOntario's education minister is defending the province's plan to end mask rules along with other COVID-19 measures in schools on March 21 despite concerns from educators and health experts about the timeline.
Read more »