Updated Mask Protocol, effective November 30th, 2020
Preamble
This update to the Prairie South mask protocol is based on information received from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, local Public Health staff and a review of safety process compliance.
Continuing with students in cohorts, hand hygiene, cleaning and limited physical contact are critical elements of school safety in 2020-2021 regardless of mask protocol. Mask protocol represents a minimum expectation – visitors, staff and students may mask in other circumstances.
For the purpose of this protocol, only non-medical and cloth masks that fully cover the face from below the chin to the bridge of the nose are allowable. “Gaiter” masks, bandanas and hard plastic masks are not acceptable.
Protocol
| Group | Mask Protocol |
| Grades PreK -12 Students | Masks are required in all classrooms and other learning spaces including gymnasiums, during indoor transitions (hallways, bathroom visits, etc.) and on the school bus. Teachers may choose to offer “mask breaks” when all present in the classroom are working independently at their desks. |
| All School Staff | Masks are required in all classrooms when students or other staff are present and during indoor transitions (hallways, bathroom visits, etc.). |
| Visitors to the School | Masks are required at all times. |
| Outdoors | Masks are not required outdoors. |
Exemptions
- In circumstances where students of any age require additional support, PPE may be used at the discretion of the student support team planning for that student.
- Students or staff with a medical condition that makes mask use inappropriate or unsafe may be exempt from this protocol with written permission from their doctor.
- In the case of Practical and Applied Arts curricular spaces masks are required unless the use of a mask creates a safety hazard