Vancouver schools to require masks for K-3 grades

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.