National

Vancouver schools to require masks for K-3 grades

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 28 Sep, 2021 09:58 AM

VANCOUVER - School trustees in Vancouver have voted unanimously in favour of requiring masks to be worn by students in kindergarten to Grade 3.

Mask mandates set by British Columbia's provincial health officer exempt youngsters in primary grades from wearing masks in class, although intermediate and secondary students, staff and visitors must be masked in classrooms and indoor areas.

The Vancouver School Board becomes the first in the province to mandate masks for primary students.

The approved motion leaves room for parental input, if concerns are submitted in writing to the principal of their child's school.

The Board considers a motion to extend the mask mandate to students in Kindergarten to Grade 3. pic.twitter.com/PF8Qh3AoH8
— Vancouver School District (@VSB39) September 28, 2021

A social media post from the board says more details about the extended mask mandate will be shared with staff, students and families "in the coming days."

It’s good to see the @VSB39 take a strong position on a K to 3 mask mandate. Hopefully other trustees consider bringing forward similar policies. #bced #LeadershipMatters #COVID19BC https://t.co/FrONqi3CH1
— Teri Mooring (@TeriMooring) September 28, 2021

Trustees Barb Parrott and Allan Wong submitted the motion, which says the current provincial exemption "seems based on the misperception" that the youngest students may find it difficult to wear masks.

B.C. has reported nearly 6,100 active COVID-19 infections across the province, with 2,239 new cases of the virus diagnosed between Friday and Sunday.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Two Vancouver Police officers seriously stabbed in Chinatown

Two Vancouver Police officers were stabbed this morning while responding to a 9-1-1 call about a forcible confinement involving a 2 year-old child. Both officers were transported to hospital where they are now in stable condition.

Two Vancouver Police officers seriously stabbed in Chinatown

Birthday hug results in jewellery stolen from elderly woman, suspects involved of South Asian descent

The driver is described as a middle-aged South Asian man, with a beard. The passenger, who allegedly stole the victim’s jewelry, is described as a middle-aged South Asian woman.

Birthday hug results in jewellery stolen from elderly woman, suspects involved of South Asian descent

Restrictions to ease for fully vaccinated Cdns

After nearly 16 months of rigid travel restrictions, Canada is finally starting to loosen the rules — but only for a specific few. Effective Monday, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents — those who have had a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Canada — will be able to skip the 14-day quarantine.

Restrictions to ease for fully vaccinated Cdns

Canada to receive 3.7 million doses of COVID-19

The federal government is expecting to receive 3.7 million more doses of COVID-19 vaccines this week, bringing the total of COVID-19 vaccine deliveries above 53.7 million doses.

Canada to receive 3.7 million doses of COVID-19

Out-of-province fire crews head to B.C.

Firefighting teams from Ontario and New Brunswick are arriving in British Columbia to assist with devastating wildfires. The BC Wildfire Service says the nearly 100 out-of-province members must pass COVID-19 safety checks before being sent into the field.

Out-of-province fire crews head to B.C.

7 dead in house fire near Calgary

7 people, including 4 children, have died in a house fire in a community just east of Calgary. The RCMP say two families were in the home in Chestermere when the fire happened early today.