HWDSB proceed with masking, despite no endorsement from province or public health

Hamilton's public school board is moving forward with its plan to mandate masking indoors and on school buses until April 1, even though it didn't get the reaction school board trustees hoped for from the province and local public health.

Dawn Danko, chair of Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB), told CBC Hamilton she received a letter from Ontario's Education Minister Stephen Lecce late Friday about the board's decision to keep masking in place past Monday, when masking requirements in most indoor settings will be lifted.

CBC hasn't obtained a copy of this letter, but Ontario Premier Doug Ford previously said school boards like HWDSB should stick to the province's decision to lift the mandate Monday because "they aren't medical experts." That came after trustees asked the province for its support.

The new letter doesn't offer an endorsement, but Danko said it doesn't offer a directive either.

"As we have not received any directive, we will proceed [with the mandate]," Danko said.

She added HWDSB has been in contact with the province throughout the week and didn't receive any direction to deviate from the plan.

It's unclear what, if anything, will happen to HWDSB for keeping a mask mandate for longer.

The provincial decision on masking has received praise and criticism from health officials and other organizations in Hamilton and surrounding areas.

HWDSB trustees previously called on Hamilton public health to issue an order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act to allow mandatory masking, but Danko said public health won't be doing that.

Public health didn't immediately respond to questions on Sunday.

HWDSB masking rules on Monday

On Monday, all students and staff will need to wear a mask. Students without a mask will need an exemption form that is signed by a parent or guardian. 

Exemptions submitted before are being honoured, HWDSB said, and there's no requirement for staff to verify exemptions.

That said, students who aren't wearing a mask won't be reprimanded.

"The two-week extension of the mask requirement will help us mitigate any increased risk of COVID spread following March Break, support students needing to request a move to remote learning and support the well-being of all students and staff through these changes," HWDSB said in a letter to families on Thursday.

"By remaining cautious and taking a strategic, gradual approach, we hope to best support our medically-vulnerable students and community members during this time of transition."

Danko previously said cohorting, on-site screening requirements and outdoor masking requirements won't be imposed come Monday, but daily screening before school is still required.