Regina school divisions make masks mandatory in high schools

Students and staff in Regina’s high schools will be required to wear masks starting Tuesday.

The Regina Catholic School Division and Regina Public Schools each announced the policy Friday after recommendations from local medical health officers (LMHO) as COVID-19 cases rise in the province.

“Our goal remains: Prioritize student, staff and family safety while maximizing in-class learning opportunities,” the Catholic division said in a media release.

“As we are notified of positive diagnoses of COVID-19 in some people in our buildings, there is the anticipation of significant numbers of students and staff being directed to self-isolate. The LMHOs expect it likely anyone unmasked and unvaccinated in a cohort with a positive case will be deemed a close contact. This means they would not be allowed to be in classes or participate in any extra-curriculars.”

The Catholic division’s four high schools will be requiring mask use from staff, students and visitors. All eight of the public division’s high schools, Campus Regina Public and the Allan Blakeney Adult Campus also are covered by the new policy.

“Regina Public Schools requires masks to be worn in all its schools — elementary and high schools — and division buildings, by students, staff, and visitors,” the division said in a media release. “Masks are also required on all Regina Public Schools transportation. Mask use is not required where physical distancing is possible, such as outdoors.”

Luther College High School started the school year Thursday with a mask policy in place. Masks are required in all indoor places where physical distancing isn’t possible at the private school, including many classrooms, hallways and the student commons.

Guests and visitors at Luther also are required to wear masks.

COVID cases identified

The 2021-22 school year has just started and already two COVID cases have been identified at two public schools.

The division said it had been informed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority of one case of each of George Lee School and Winston Knoll Collegiate.

Close contacts have been called. If other close contacts are identified at the schools, they’ll be contacted directly by Public Health.