SD 58 updates COVID-19 response plan and protocols

School District 58 Nicola-Similkameen has officially updated their COVID-19 response plan, mandatory protocol and onsite etiquette, and mandatory protocol for bus students.

The fresh updates come following Dr. Bonnie Henry increasing the mask mandate in schools.

The new secondary school protocol and etiquette guide states; “Students must wear a mask (indoors) if they are not eating or drinking”, “Students must wear a mask when in the classroom”, and “Students must wear a mask indoors at school and on school buses.”

Prior to the changes, students could remove their masks when in the classroom so long as they were seated at their desks.

While Dr. Henry did not mandate masks for those younger than grade-4, SD 58 has strengthened its language for the younger cohorts as well.

The elementary school protocol and etiquette guide now states; “Students in Grade K to 3 are encouraged to wear a mask indoors in schools and on school buses but are not required to do so.”

School District 58 has not seen a COVID-19 outbreak since students returned following Spring Break.