If you visited Hawaii over spring break, you have to wear a mask now as tougher masks rules are in place for students returning from international travel.
While masks are no longer required for staff and students returning to school after spring break, those who travelled to the U.S. and other international destinations will have to don face coverings.
The information came in a bulletin to School District 43 (SD43) families late last week and follows up an earlier bulletin that said masks are not required.
SD43, which is responsible for 70 schools in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra, issued a notice to families recommending they take steps to protect their school communities from COVID-19 as classes resume today (Monday, March 28), after a two week spring break.
The specific recommendations follow federal government policies and are for travellers returning from international destinations, including the U.S.
"If you have returned to Canada from another country during spring break, you should follow the federal guidance for vaccinated and/or unvaccinated individuals that have travelled outside of Canada," states the notification to parents and guardians.
The recommendations ask everyone to "be kind and respectful of the choices individuals make regarding masks while continuing to do daily health checks, staying home if you are sick, and washing hands frequently."
Here's what families home from international travel are instructed to do:
For 14 days following entry into Canada, adults and any children they travelled with must:
- Properly wear a well-constructed and well-fitting mask when in public spaces, both indoors and outdoors
- Maintain a list of all close contacts and locations you visit
- Keep copies of your proof of vaccination
