Many kids and teens may be jumping for joy that masks will be optional when they return to school on Monday (March 28).
As many as 32,000 students plus teachers and support staff will soon be heading back to class after a two-week spring break.
In a letter, School District 43 (SD43) superintendent Patricia Gartland confirmed masks will no longer be required, although individuals can choose to wear one and will be available for use along with hand sanitizer.
But some students may choose to wear them in crowded spaces, walking to and from classes for example.
Andrea Howorth, who runs a school day care at Leigh Elementary in Coquitlam, said her two children plan to wear masks, at least at first.
FOR SAFETY AND COMFORT
"They want to feel comfortable and are curious to see if their friends and or teachers will be wearing one," said Howorth, who lives in Port Coquitlam.
She explains her 15-year-old daughter in Grade 10 plans to wear her mask in large group settings, in between classes or when she's in a group that she doesn't usually interact with.
She plans to take off her mask when she's sitting at her desk.
The looser rules mean students who attend Howorth's before-and-after-school day care also have the choice as to whether or not they will wear a mask and she expects some parents will want their children to continue to do so.
She adds she'll do her best to encourage them to wear one, but "won't enforce it."
"If a parent wishes for their child to wear a mask we will make a note and try to make them keep it on but I can't guarantee it."
The mask rule has already been extended to indoor activities, and it appears some people are still choosing to wear masks, especially when in crowded grocery stores.
CAPACITY LIMITS FOR SCHOOL EVENTS
Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases in the Tri-Cities rose slightly last week.
There were still only 49 cases, far fewer than earlier in the year with Omicron was running rampant in the community.
In her letter, Gartland said students will experience other freedoms too.
For example, event planning is going ahead for graduation celebrations and leaving ceremonies, and restrictions on field trips will be eased.
However, not everything is completely back to normal.
While visitors and spectators can be included at sports games, school events and performances, there will be a capacity limit of 50 per cent or 50 people until 11:59 p.m. on April 7.
As well, schools will require students and staff to do daily health checks, monitor for symptoms, use rapid antigen tests to confirm illness and had wash frequently.
Those who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home, Gartland's letter states.
She also encourages school communities to respect everyone's level of risk.
"Please be considerate and mindful of others in your school community who may continue to wear a mask or physically distance for their personal comfort. The transition toward sustainable communicable disease management will be gradual and a second step is expected in mid-April to coincide with public health guidance."
SD43's communicable disease management plan is also available online.
- with files from Kyle Balzer, Tri-City News
