Regina school divisions mandate masks for all grades

Starting Monday, all students at Regina public and Catholic schools will be required to wear non-medical masks in school buildings and on school buses.

When Regina Public Schools and the Regina Catholic School Division announced their plans to reopen facilities in September, masks were required for students in grades 4 to 12 but were only recommended for students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 3.

On Thursday, both divisions announced students in those lower grades also would be required to wear non-medical masks as of next week in hopes of curbing the potential spread of COVID-19.

For public schools, the exceptions are in private staff offices where physical distancing is possible and when food and beverages are being consumed.

“This change comes at a time when all schools and the school division are working to focus on limiting health risks to students and staff and to minimize disruptions to student learning during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Regina Public Schools said in a release.

In a statement, the Regina Catholic School Division said all staff members and students will have to wear masks when indoors “in the presence of others. As in the public health order requirements, private offices and cubicles are exempt.”

The public school division’s director of education, Greg Enion, sent a letter to families and guardians explaining the decision.

“Regina Public Schools appreciates that the requirement of mask use for all students may create some additional challenges for school families,” Enion wrote. “We believe that taking this extra step will help our schools minimize the transmission of COVID-19 and help keep students and staff safe as we head into winter and cold and flu season.”

The letter can be seen below.

There have been positive cases at a number of Regina schools since classes resumed Sept. 1.