Ontario's education minister is defending the province's plan to end mask rules along with other COVID-19 measures in schools on March 21 despite concerns from educators and health experts about the timeline.
Stephen Lecce said Thursday that Ontario is following a handful of other Canadian jurisdictions, including Saskatchewan and Alberta, that have already lifted mask mandates.
"I would submit, based on what we know today, we're actually one of the most cautious provinces," he said at the provincial legislature, saying Ontario is following the "clear advice" of its chief medical officer of health.
Lecce said masking is becoming an individual choice but the changes are coming along with recent ventilation improvements made in schools, including the recent provision of 49,000 HEPA filter units for schools and child-care centres.
Move 'will jeopardize the safety of students': principals' council
That's as the Ontario Principals' Council said Thursday that it opposes the end date for masking in schools, arguing that many families may be travelling over March break next week, leading to increased risk of spreading the virus.
"This announcement does not appear to be grounded in the science," the organization said in a written statement. The council is also urging the province to pause its timeline, saying the current date "will jeopardize the safety of students, staff and our school communities."
The organization that represents 5,400 principals and vice principals pointed to the relatively low vaccination rate of children aged five to 11 — a population that is 30 per cent fully vaccinated — and suggested waiting until after the April holidays to lift the mask rules, after assessing the impact of public health measures ending.
A coalition of children's hospitals has also urged the province to keep masks in schools for at least two weeks after March break.
On March 21, individuals will no longer be required to wear masks in schools, child-care centres or most other public settings aside from some deemed high-risk like nursing homes, hospitals and public transit.
Other pandemic measures including class cohorting and on-site symptom screening will also end in Ontario schools at the same time.
'What's the rush?': NDP leader
Lecce pointed to ventilation improvements made in schools and says the province is following the recommendations of its chief medical officer.
Lecce said masking is becoming an individual choice but the changes are coming along with recent ventilation improvements made in schools, including the recent provision of 49,000 HEPA filter units for schools and child-care centres.
Opposition politicians were also concerned about the timing.
"What's the rush?" asked New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath, encouraging a more slow and cautious approach. She also expressed concern about the lack of clear agency for school boards to introduce their own mask rules.
Lecce said Thursday that public health units would have to consult with the province's top doctor before deciding whether to extend school mask mandates for a longer period of time.
The Toronto District School Board was planning a special meeting on Thursday night to review COVID-19 policies and determine next steps, and promised families an update on Friday.
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