Masks or no masks for the return of school in B.C.?
Once again, there's a push for children to wear masks in schools as the COVID-19 immunization rate for younger kids lags behind the rest of the population.
Jennifer Heighton with Safe Schools Coalition B.C. says the group is hearing from parents concerned that masks will be optional in the upcoming school year.
B.C. hasn't required masks in classrooms since after spring break, and the province insists transmission is low. The coalition is calling for universal mask protections, noting recent high rates of infection.
"If they're wearing a mask – and maybe they don't know (they're sick) yet, the symptoms haven't shown up – if they have a mask, then they're not breathing it out into the air," said Heighton.
CTV News asked Health Minister Adrian Dix about whether parents could expect a return to mask-wearing. He said new guidelines for schools were in the works, but suggested the province would take a status quo approach.
"We've moved from system of rules to a system of guidance," he said. "I don't think you're going to see a change in the approach we've taken in recent times."
The B.C. Teachers Federation had a look at draft safety guidelines for the return of school on Thursday. The union isn’t calling for a mask mandate, but rather, accessibility, according to president Clint Johnston.
"Our position is that N95 masks (are) available for those who would like them, but that they're readily available and nobody's having to provide their own to feel safe, comfortable at school,” said Johnston.
He added teachers were cautious, but excited for a school year that will look more like those before COVID-19. Johnston noted teachers want to see frequent cleaning and better ventilation as part of the guidelines.
For Heighton, another concern is the frequency of reinfections. She questioned what that could mean in the long term.
"Are you opening the door to more of that long-term damage down the road? Do we really know enough about this virus to predict that it's going to be benign?" Heighton said.
The health minister says more than half of kids aged 5 to 11 have one dose of vaccine. A significant number don't have a second shot. Those aged six months to five years have a vaccination rate of just eight per cent.
What could be a bigger concern is when COVID-19 cases collide with respiratory illness season.
Dix said health officials were meeting to plan for that period: November, December and January.
Heighton and other parents say aside from a mask mandate, they also want to see more work done to improve ventilation in schools.
The Education Ministry did not respond to CTV’s request for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.