Not waiting for Quebec government, EMSB considers making masks mandatory in classrooms

With only aweekremaining before students return to class,the English Montreal School Boardsays it will vote on making masks mandatory in classrooms for all grades.

Although the first day of classes is Aug. 31, the EMSB says it will come to a decision on Sept. 1.

Earlier this month, Education Minister Jean-Franois Robergeannounced that masks in class and classroom bubbles would no longer be required for studentsin primary and secondary schools.Students would still have to wear masks in common areas.

Health Minister Christian Dubsaid MondayQuebec's public health director, Dr. Horacio Arruda, is meeting with Roberge on the question of masks today and that an update would be provided "in a matter of hours."

Dub said there is a possibility that masks could become mandatory as a temporary measure because of the rise in cases.

According to a news release Sunday night, the EMSBsaid Roberge's announcement has created "tremendous amount of anxiety" among parent groups.

"The Delta variant and the fact that elementary school children cannot get vaccinated yet has everyone worried," said EMSB Chair Joe Ortona.

Ortona recommendsthat students wearmasks for the first two days of school until the council can come to a decision on Sept. 1.

The EMSB saidclassroom bubbles should also remain in place and the continuation of a hybrid attendance model for high schools must be considered as well.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over," saidOrtona.

As of Monday, 85 per cent of Quebecers aged 12 to 17 have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 66per cent have had two.

No vaccine has been approved yet for children under 12, although Quebec isconsideringallowing 11-year-olds who are turning 12 soon to get vaccinated against COVID-19,mirroring the steps taken by several other provinces.