Masks will not be mandatory for staff and students at Ontario’s schools, according to the Ministry of Education.
In an email to CKXS News, the ministry confirmed that most health and safety requirements will remain unchanged from the end of the 2021-2022 school year, including the voluntary use of masks.
The ministry added that school boards will continue to have access to rapid antigen tests to be used in accordance with provincial testing guidance.
While developing its health and safety plans for the upcoming school year, the ministry said it consulted with leading medical experts including the Children’s Health Coalition and Medical Officers of Health.
Ontario remains in the midst of a seventh wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said on Friday that the wave has peaked.
Late last month, Education Ministry Stephen Lecce unveiled the government’s plan to have students return to the classrooms full-time this September, without disruption.
“On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, we have taken action by deploying over 100,000 standalone HEPA filter units to classrooms and learning spaces, enhanced cleaning, and continued access to rapid antigen tests,” Lecce said in a statement. “Our government remains focused on providing students with a positive, safe, and normal school experience.”