It is mandatory for staff and visitors to wear medical grade masks indoors at all times, and outdoors when a physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) cannot be maintained. Remember that close contact with students is often unpredictable. SMDHU recommends that all teachers and school staff who are regularly in close contact with students wear eye protection (such as a face shield or goggles) when they are in the classroom, and when they cannot maintain 2 meres (6 feet) physical distance from others (e.g. when assisting with lunch/snacks).
Students in grades 1 to 12 must wear masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes, on school transportation and outdoors when physical distancing of 2m cannot be maintained. Masking requirements apply to before and after school programs, as well as on school vehicles.
Students in JK/SK students are strongly encouraged, but not required to wear a mask. Some school boards and schools are requiring masking in younger students. Educators should assist these students to build mask wearing skills in similar ways they have encouraged hand hygiene skills; with practice, patience and positive messages. Some simple ideas include:
- Set a daily mask wearing challenge that increases over time (e.g.: during carpet time then extended to first break then extended to second break, etc.).
- Include mask related activities in your lesson plan for math (graphing, telling time, journaling, oral communication activities).
- Make up words to a familiar tune and actions to lead students through mask application.
- If a student takes their mask off negotiate how long they need for a break and then remind them to put their mask back on.
- Remind students to change their masks after nutrition breaks or recess and ensure hand hygiene is part of the process.
Masks should be replaced if they become soiled, wet or frozen.
Ask parents and guardians to send more than one mask to school so students can change them through-out the day. We suggest at least 3 masks per day to enable changes at each break or more often.
Soiled masks should be stored in a clean, labelled, paper bag or envelope (something that does not absorb moisture). Ensure students are taking soiled masks home each night to be laundered.