The Public Health Agency of Canada has stated that non-medical masks play a role in stopping the spread of COVID-19. They act as a barrier and reduce the chance of spreading infectious respiratory droplets to others and prevent infectious droplets from landing on surfaces from coughs or sneezes.
In schools of the Kenora Catholic District School Board, non-medical or cloth masks will be mandatory indoors for all students in Grade 1 to Grade 12. It is one of the many measures taken to protect the health and safety and well-being of students and staff. Where a family is not able to provide a non-medical or cloth mask for their child, one will be provided.
Students in Grades 1 to 12 are required to wear a non-medical or cloth mask/face covering indoors in schools, including hallways and during classes, as well as on the school bus. Outdoor times (eg., nutrition breaks and outdoor learning) can be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing their masks/face covering.
Consistent with guidance from Public Health, it is understood that for medical or other approved reasons, it may not be possible for some students to wear a non-medical mask at school.
Exemptions may include:
• Asthma;
• Sensory processing;
• Hearing/communication;
• Breathing difficulties caused by underlying health conditions;
• Intellectual/development delays that do not allow for the use of a mask; and/or,
• Physical/other: cannot wear a mask without assistance.
Parents whose child meets one or more of the reasons for exemption are asked to complete a
COVID-19 mask exemption form and send it to their child's school principal.