No mask or vaccination mandates for schools as health ministry updates COVID-19 plan

The provincial health ministry has released a statement with some updated guidelines for school divisions on future vaccination plans, contact tracing and self-isolating measures.

For the last several weeks, parents, doctors and other groups have been waiting for updated guidance as COVID-19 cases in the province increase and the Delta variant continues to spread.

Many, including the province’s NDP, Saskatchewan Teachers Federation, pediatricians, and the Saskatchewan Medical Association have been calling for mask and vaccination mandates.

However, according to a news release, there will be no vaccine mandates for school staff, teachers or students. Vaccinations are still recommended for everyone 12 years and older.

Masks will also not be mandated by the province in schools, but they are recommended in common spaces like hallways, washrooms, and libraries.

Classrooms are a different story, though.

“Once students are seated in their classrooms, it is appropriate to remove masks,” the release states. For outdoor activities like gym or recess, masks are not necessary either.

All children born in 2009 are immediately eligible to get vaccinated, regardless of their birth date at any COVID-19 vaccination site, including pop-up clinics and pharmacies. COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to be offered at schools once again this year to encourage as many eligible children and teens to get their shots as possible.

The Saskatoon Public School Division is aware of the updated health ministry information but has no comment until their plan is released on Monday, Aug.23.

Contract Tracing and testing

Contact tracing and testing will continue in schools. When cases are identified, both the schools and school divisions will be notified by public health officers so parents, in turn, can also be notified.

Unvaccinated close contacts may be directed to self-isolate if necessary. There’s no guidance on whether those who have been vaccinated will also have to do so.

Future vaccination plans

Saskatchewan is offering COVID-19 booster shots for those who need them to travel internationally, and Ontario is the first province to offer booster shots for those who are immunocompromised.

The province says it’s now looking at a comprehensive vaccination plan whether they’ll be offering COVID booster vaccines on an annual basis, similar to flu shots.