Effective May 24, 2022, wearing a mask at school will be a personal choice made by staff, students and their parents based on their own risk assessment.
When making the decision to wear a mask at school, you should consider the following factors:
Up to Date COVID-19 Vaccines
Are you up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines?
You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.
If you answered no, you should consider wearing a mask at school.
Recent COVID-19 Infection
Did you have COVID-19 in the last three months?
Reinfection is less likely in the three months after you had COVID-19.
If you answered no, you should consider wearing a mask at school.
High-Risk Groups
Are you considered to be in a high-risk group or do you live with a person who is in a high-risk group?
If you answered yes, especially if you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you should consider wearing a mask at school.
Learn more about who is at high risk
Indoor Crowded Settings
Will you be attending a crowded indoor event at school?
Large crowded settings where there are many people close together increase the risk of spread of COVID-19, especially if it is indoors.
If you answered yes, you should consider wearing a mask at school.
Other Respiratory Viruses
Wearing a mask also protects you from other respiratory viruses that are circulating, such as influenza.
Proper Use of a Mask for Children
- Masks with three layers are recommended. This could be a three-layer cloth mask or three-ply disposable non-medical mask. Neck gaiters (also known as neck warmers or buffs), scarves and bandanas are not recommended.
- Masks should be comfortable and completely cover your mouth and nose with no gaps.
- Masks should be changed after they become wet or soiled.
- Reusable masks should be washed after a day’s use.
- Parents and guardians should be reminded of appropriate use and cleaning, back-up and storage of masks.
- Masks can become an unintended hazard (for example, physical injury if caught on playground equipment).
The ability of a child to wear a non-medical mask will be dependent on age, maturity, physical ability and comprehension.