The South East Cornerstone Public School Division has provided an update on wearing masks when outdoors during recess at its schools.
With the provincial release of the outdoor team sport competition guidelines allowing for athletes and coaches as well as spectators to be unmasked, the school division says it has been reviewing the current outdoor recess masking requirements.
With the heat wave in the southeast last week, the direction became more timely.
“We have been in consultation with our local medical health officers and have been advised that wearing a mask while outdoors remains an important additional layer of protection, especially when children are not able to physically distance. While the current guidelines are that masks are not required if children can physically distance at recess, we also know that recess is a social time and that physically distancing does not loan itself to connections among children,” director of education Lynn Little said in a letter.
Effective June 3, wearing masks while outside will continue to be encouraged; however, it will no longer be mandatory. If students are not wearing masks, the school division will encourage activities where physical distancing is possible.
Students will remain in their cohorts and in their designated spaces.
“Please discuss with your child whether you wish for them to wear their mask while outdoors or not,” Little wrote.
Physical education classes being held outdoors will adhere to the provincial guidelines.
The public health order remains in effect for indoors and thus students, staff and all visitors will continue to wear masks while indoors until the health order changes and the division is notified by government.
