NORTH BATTLEFORD — The Living Sky School Division Board of Education issued a media release Feb. 10 that they had called a meeting following the Saskatchewan Government Feb. 8 press conference announcing upcoming changes to public health orders impacting proof of vaccination/proof of negative test and masking protocols.
Actions that will be taken include: remove administrative procedure 5.44 COVID-19 vaccination for employees, trustees and other individuals effective Feb. 14; remove the mandatory mask mandate as of March 1 to coincide with the expiry of the public health order.
Brenda Vickers, director of education, states “I want to thank our families for helping us successfully implement all of the precautions we have taken for the past two years to keep students and staff healthy and schools open. Changes to our Safe Schools Plan will come into effect soon. They include lifting our procedure regarding proof of negative test/vaccination and our requirement to wear masks.
“Our health advisors tell us that masks prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the virus is still with us, so we will continue to follow health’s lead and strongly encourage the use of masks. However, masks are not mandated, and it is important that students and staff feel comfortable either way – masked or unmasked.”
Other COVID-19 protocols outlined in the division's Safe Schools Plan will continue, which include measures to decrease the risk of COVID-19 entering schools. These include promoting proper hygiene, increased cleaning/sanitizing measures and asking students and staff to say home when ill, or they test positive for COVID-19.
LSSD, in their release, say they will continue to work with public health staff to ensure necessary measures are in place to protect all students and staff. An updated version of the plan will be available online early next week.
Those entering schools are reminded to monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
