Students in the Foothills School Division will be required to wear masks when they head back to school on Sept. 7.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced on Sept. 3 that masks must be worn in all public places in the province as a result of increasing cases of COVID-19. Schools were not part of that requirement.
"Schools are not required to implement masking but school boards will continue to set COVID-19 management policies as they deem appropriate," a press release from the provincial government stated on Sept. 3.
However, Chris Fuzessy, Foothills School Division superintendent of schools, said following public guidelines as set by Alberta Health Services was a natural fit when making the decision for required masking later that afternoon.
"There is a mask mandate indoors for all public spaces across Alberta," Fuzessy said on Sept. 3. "We are a public school system. We didn't see how by not aligning with that mandate in a public space made sense.
"We consider ourselves to be a public place."
Foothills school students were not required to wear masks to school for the first three days of school, Sept. 1-3.
The Foothills School Division stated in a press release later that afternoon it will set guidelines similar to what is required in all public facilities in the province.
A division press release stated — a non-medical face mask will now be required while inside FSD schools and locations for:
- All students (Junior Kindergarten - Grade 12).
- All staff members
- All visitors
Masks can be removed indoors while:
- Within a classroom engaged in instruction.
- Consuming food or drink in a designated area.
- Participating in physical exercise, music, band or arts performance
Students riding on school buses have been required to wear masks since school started.
Masks will not be required for students participating in athletic events, such as school sports. However, coaches, spectators and officials will be required to wear masks at indoor events.
Dr. Adam Vyse, a doctor in High River and a member of the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network, called the decision to wear masks at schools a wise decision.
"At this stage it is a really good plan," Vyse said. "Our community transition rate is high and there is bound to be kids coming to school without any symptoms.
"Minimizing transmission by wearing masks in school is a really good idea."
Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools had not released a public statement as of 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 3.
Okotoks
The Town of Okotoks has also stated that its facilities will also require masks being worn by staff and patrons as of Sept. 4.
“These new public health measures mean the following facilities will require masks: Okotoks Recreation Centre, Natural High Fitness, Pason Centennial Arenas, Okotoks Art Gallery, Okotoks Museum, Rotary Performing Arts Centre and Foothills Centennial Centre, Eco Centre and Environmental Education Centre, as well as the Municipal Centre, Operations Centre and fire stations,” a press release from the Town stated..
Masks are not required when actively participating in physical activities.
Florence Christophers, Okotoks Deputy Mayor, said she was pleased the decision was based on science and the provincial government did not place the responsibility on masking to municipalities in the province.
There were 71 cases of COVID in Okotoks, according to provincial statistics released Sept. 3. There were 25 in High River and 65 in Foothills County, which includes Black Diamond and Turner Valley.
