Durham’s Medical Officer of Health has a message for staff and students.
“Due to the Omicron surges (BA.1.1 and BA.2 sub-variants), Durham Region Health Department (DRHD) strongly recommends that students and staff continue to wear a well-fitted three-layer mask in shared indoor spaces,” said Dr. Robert Kyle in a released statement.
In his letter, Kyle says in addition to masking, “physical distancing, proper hand hygiene, and staying home when sick, continue to be effective strategies for reducing the spread of COVID-19.”
The information was shared by local school boards to students Wednesday.
Earlier today we sent a message to families regarding the Durham Region Health Department’s strong recommendation that students and staff wear masks in shared indoor spaces.
Read the updated guidance and message from Dr. Kyle: https://t.co/dGVm5Y82D4
— Durham District School Board (DDSB) (@DDSBSchools) April 13, 2022
In response to a surge in local COVID cases, all three public health units in our jurisdiction – @DurhamHealth, @HKPRDHU & @Ptbohealth – are strongly encouraging all students and staff to wear well-fitting masks while attending school:https://t.co/QZ15cZBPsV
— PVNCCDSB (@PVNCCDSB) April 13, 2022
Kyle adds vaccination is still a vital tool.
“I encourage you to continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination with school staff, students, and their families,” Kyle said. “In addition, DRHD has expanded the eligibility for fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 60 and older, as well as First Nation, Inuit, and Métis individuals and their non-indigenous household members aged 18 and older.”
To read Kyle’s full letter, click here and then click the photo.
Other school boards across the country are also encouraging mask wearing in schools.
To limit the spread of COVID-19 and help minimize disruption from COVID-related absences, the TDSB is asking that all staff and students please wear a well-fitting mask when indoors in schools. To be clear, this remains a personal decision.
➡ https://t.co/f078TkgDT2 pic.twitter.com/nJgJ74ey3P
— Toronto District School Board (@tdsb) April 13, 2022
We thank everyone for following continued health measures such as masking, screening, and staying home when ill.
As a reminder, masks are strongly recommended and encouraged indoors at HWDSB schools and buildings. Masks continue to be provided to staff and students on request. pic.twitter.com/orviQJR6Hx
— HWDSB (@HWDSB) April 13, 2022
Tonight, the Board of Trustees passed a motion requiring mask use in all OCDSB buildings. Staff are developing an implementation plan and will provide additional clarification shortly.
— OCDSB (@OCDSB) April 13, 2022
