The Chinook School Board announced today that due to the changing conditions with COVID-19, as well as the recommendations from the Medical Health Officer and other local medical professionals, that they will be updating mask protocols for Chinook staff and students.

Effective tomorrow, all Prekindergarten to Grade 12 students and staff will be required to wear masks indoors in all areas of the schools.

In the updated return to school plan, Chinook says division and school plans will be reviewed and will evolve as required by emerging health risk assessments and guidance from the SHA, the local Medical Health Officer, and the provincial
government. This may include local and provincial positive case numbers and vaccination rates.

In a letter sent to all families and staff, Chinook stressed the fact that as of this week nearly 22% (104) of the 475 new cases in Saskatchewan were children aged 11 and under. The letter also discussed the fact that local area physicians have also recently recommended to the Chinook Board that they increase protective measures in schools. The local physicians and MHO strongly recommend mask wearing for all students and staff as an important protective measure in limiting transmission in schools.

Periodic mask breaks will be provided to students and staff in schools. As mentioned in the previous return to school plan, all students and staff are required to wear masks while on school buses, and school visitors will also be required to wear masks indoors at all times.

Chinook has stated that The Board will continue to revisit protective measures and follow the guidance of our local Medical Health Officer to ensure that the health and safety of all students and staff remains the top priority.