Gov’t procures 6 million masks for use in schools

The first level of the Government of Saskatchewan’s back-to-school plan doesn’t require students to wear masks when school resumes Sept. 1, but the province is preparing in case that becomes necessary.

The government announced Friday it has invested more than $2 million to procure six million disposable masks to be used in schools — a supply of masks it says will last school divisions until the end of the calendar year.

Some school divisions are encouraging the use of masks and personal protective equipment even in Level 1. The government said it’s now “actively considering” the mandatory use of masks under Level 2 after getting feedback from groups like the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA).

“As the situation with COVID-19 in Saskatchewan is fluid, the Safe Schools Plan provides consideration to changes and updates as needed, as accounted for within the four levels,” the government said in a media release.

“Under Level 2 of the plan, mask usage can be implemented under the direction of the Chief Medical Health Officer in consultation with Public Health either regionally or provincially, based on the most up-to-date situation and scientific information available.”

The government said the six million masks will be distributed to school divisions before the start of the school year. The masks will be available to students, teachers and staff on a daily basis.

As well, the province said it has “supported school divisions in obtaining access to free face shields for staff” through an Ontario-based company.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Gordon Wyant spoke with media in Saskatoon on Friday.

Despite the concern raised by some parents throughout Saskatchewan, Wyant remained adamant about the policies in place.

“It’s a good plan, there is lots of room for movement and adjustments,” he said. “The situation is very fluid, we will continue to assess the situation as we get closer to the school year.”

“We are expected to have the masks by the third week of August, they can be available for the school divisions for the beginning of the school year should they be implemented.”

When asked if there would be any changes made to class sizes and transportation, Wyant added that they will continue with the steps involved in the Level 1 plan.

SMA wants more caution in reopening schools

In its own media release, the SMA said it met with Dr. Saqib Shahab — Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer — and other representatives of the ministries of health and education.

In that meeting, the association urged the government to be more cautious when schools reopen and to amend the plan to “better address physicians’ concerns regarding masks and social distancing principles.”

“Saskatchewan doctors think it’s prudent to set the safety bar higher at the outset, then lower it when we know what we are dealing with,” SMA president Dr. Barbara Konstantynowicz said in the release.

“We simply don’t know how the virus will behave in a school setting. Then, as more information comes available, we can carefully roll back the restraints.”

The association suggested more consideration be given to wearing masks, which it said is an effective defence against the spread of the virus when social distancing is difficult.

The SMA said the meeting was fruitful.

“We were reassured there are elements of the plan pertaining to resources still to come, and that individual school board plans will address some of the concerns physicians have about the school reopening,” Dr. Konstantynowicz said.

“The SMA will continue to monitor the situation and provide feedback to the government. This is a very important issue for all of Saskatchewan. We need to work together.”

With files from Logan Stein