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By Justin Goulet

Masking mandate no longer in effect for K-to-12 students in Alberta

Feb 14, 2022 | 8:09 AM

EDMONTON, AB – Students in Alberta are heading back to classes with the option of ditching their masks.

The government announced last week that starting today, February 14, students in K-to-12 schools would no longer be required to wear masks.

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As well, children 12 and under don’t have to wear masks in any setting. Some parents have welcomed the change, but others say they are anxious about the risk of COVID-19 spread.

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Emma Stephens from Lethbridge says her kids will be wearing masks to school. She told The Canadian Press that she’s also worried there could be tension if some families choose to send their kids to school with masks, while others don’t.

READ MORE: Alberta union, parents ask court to halt decision to lift mask mandate in schools

Brian Wawrow in Edmonton says his kids and their friends will have their masks on. He says he understands everyone is exhausted with COVID-19 regulations, but people can’t pretend the pandemic is over. This afternoon, some Edmonton students have planned to walk out of classes early and protest the lifting of restrictions at the legislature.

(The Canadian Press)