Public schools in Quebec will not be able to require their students to wear a face mask in the classroom, even though some experts have endorsed the safety measure.
The provincial back-to-school plan that was announced last week, states that students in Grade 5 and above must wear face masks when moving about the school. But masks are not required in the classroom, in the gym, or while eating lunch in the cafeteria.
In a statement, the ministry made it clear that school boards and service centers do not have the leeway to expand on the provincial guidelines. School boards do not have the public health powers and cannot under the powers given to them under the Education Act, require all students to wear face-covering under all circumstances at school.
The Education Ministry made its position known after the Lester B. Pearson School Board informed parents on social media last week that face masks would be required in the classroom as well.
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https://www.healthline.com/health-news/face-masks-importance-battle-with-covid19
https://www.livescience.com/are-face-masks-effective-reducing-coronavirus-spread.html