Masks 'strongly' encouraged but no longer mandatory at Hamilton public schools

Hamilton's public school board is "strongly encouraging" students and staff to wear masks, but face coverings are no longer mandatoryas of Monday.

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board(HWDSB) pushed for masking to continue until April 1, with some trustees pushing against what they described asa "rushed" and "irresponsible decision made by the province."

The Ontario government droppedmasking requirements in most settings, including schools, on March 21.

But HWDSB, as well as the Toronto public board, fought to keep theirs around a little longer, leading to Premier Doug Ford commenting that school board members "aren't medical experts."

The Toronto board ended up telling parents masks were "strongly encouraged," while HWDSB proceeded with its mask mandate, despite a lack of endorsement from the province.

That changes Monday.

"This past month, we experienced a change in the COVID-19 response that reduced requirements and eased restrictions," wrote HWDSBchair Dawn Danko and interim director of education John Bryant in an email to families March 30.

"We are strongly encouraging mask wearing in our mask friendly school and work environments, but no longer require masks or mask exemptions."

The statement went on to thank school communities for showing "kindness and respect as we honour varying comfort levels with respect to masking."

The board says medical masks will continue to be offered to school visitors. Provincial guidelines also say masks must be worn on public transit, so they are still mandatory for those who use HSR.

School officials are also reminding staff and students that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or who is waiting for test results must stay home.

The HWDSB said it's going to receive another 1,414 HEP air purifiers, which will be put in classrooms, gyms, libraries and lunchrooms, along with the 1,096 that have already been installed.