An advocacy group is calling on the BC government to keep a mask mandate in place at schools rather than lifting it when students return to class at the end of spring break.
In an open letter, Safe Schools Coalition BC says public schools are unique in the pandemic and they are not a place where families and children can “manage their own risk.”
“It is not the same as choosing to dine indoors at a restaurant or go to a movie theatre with unmasked people. Children must attend school,” reads the open letter from the Safe Schools Coalition BC. “Since equitable online programs were cut this school year, children and staff must attend a physical space for extended periods of time, with possibly unmasked occupants, creating an impossible situation for higher risk families, including those who are immunocompromised or live in multi-generational households.”
The letter also notes that universal masking will not only help children stay healthy but will also help keep schools open by ensuring adequate staffing levels.
Coalition member Jennifer Heighton says lifting the mask mandate puts higher-risk families in a difficult position.
The mask mandate is set to expire under the latest COVID-19 rules once classes resume.
The full open letter written by Safe Schools Coalition BC can be found online here.
Graham Cox
