Alberta students in grades 4 to 12 and all school staff will be required to wear non-medical face masks in common areas when schools reopen in September. However, some Edmonton students will be mandated to wear them full-time in the classroom as well.
In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, the province is requiring face masks to be worn when students are in spaces such as hallways and school buses and classrooms when teachers and students are working closely together. Staff will be required to wear masks in all settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
According to the education minister, the announcement that mask-wearing for K-3 students will continue to be optional. The reason for this is that this can be a challenge for younger children due to issues with proper fit and compliance.
Younger students who can wear masks at Edmonton Public Schools are being asked to do so. The province is making exemptions for students and staff who are unable to wear a face mask due to medical needs or other reasons.
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https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200504-coronavirus-what-is-the-best-kind-of-face-mask
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-face-mask
https://www.livescience.com/are-face-masks-effective-reducing-coronavirus-spread.html