(Dreamstime)

By David Opinko

Holy Spirit schools requiring masks starting Wednesday

Sep 7, 2021 | 2:28 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Just a few days after the start of school, the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is undertaking a change to a key COVID-19 policy.

Late last week, the Alberta Government announced the return of a province-wide face mask mandate that took effect on Saturday, September 8 as a way of curbing the rising tide of COVID cases.

READ MORE: Mask mandate returning in Alberta Saturday, other new measures announced

Premier Jason Kenney said school boards could individually decide whether to require the use of face masks and that is exactly what Holy Spirit is doing.

Effective Wednesday, September 8, staff and students (K-12) will have to wear a non-medical face mask in all Holy Spirit buildings.

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“Because the nature and layout of our schools do not allow for adequate physical distancing, masks will be required at all times (except as noted below),” reads a media release from the school division.

The only exceptions to the mask regulations are if a person has a doctor’s note that exempts them from wearing one or if they are taking part in physical activity, eating while seated, or when outdoors.

Children in early learning programs are “strongly encouraged” to use masks.

More details on Holy Spirit’s COVID-19 guidelines can be found here.

READ MORE: Lethbridge School Division requiring masks starting Thursday

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