Hamilton public school board extends mask wearing until April 1st

It’s back to class as usual but for some students returning to schools under the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, they’re being encouraged to wear masks.

In a statement, the ministry of education says, “Hamilton Wentworth District School Board are fully aware that they cannot enforce masking on students.”

HWDSB chair, Dawn Danko says other than the letter they received from the ministry of education earlier they haven’t received any other push back from the province. “We are not limiting a student from attending school if they’re not wearing a mask. So we are honoring that. If someone is not wearing a mask and they don’t have an exemption, the school administration will follow up with the family and gently ask them to complete the form.”

Dawn Danko says they’re not alone, the Superior North Catholic Board in Terrace Bay is also following a one-week transition period and has said that masks will be optional starting next Monday.

The board previously asked Hamilton public health to issue a section 22 order to extend mask mandates but they declined. Hamilton’s medical officer of health says they respect the process and decisions of the boards and adds, “we don’t see a basis for writing a section 22 order but we will continue to work with the school board to support them.”

After April 1st the students won’t have to fill out a form to enter without a mask.