HALIFAX — Nova Scotia will maintain its mask-wearing requirements in public schools as it drops them for most other public spaces on Monday.
Officials announced the change on Friday, saying the decision was made in light of advice from a pediatric advisory group that has advised the government on health measures for schools throughout the pandemic.
The group of doctors at the IWK Health Center in Halifax released an open letter this week recommending that students continue to wear masks until at least mid-April. A specific date for lifting the obligation was not given.
Prime Minister Tim Houston told reporters that this was clearly the best decision yet in the opinion of these experts.
Mr Houston said that, as previously planned, masks will also remain mandatory in other places such as hospitals, long-term care homes and prisons. “Everywhere else, it is strongly recommended to continue to put on the mask, added Mr. Houston. You have the tools to make the right decisions.”
Dr Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, said the change in advice for schools coincides with a return next week after the March Break holiday, during which some pupils may have been exposed to the virus, who is still active in the communities. “So it makes sense to have them wear the mask as a way to slow down any potential transmission in this school environment,” Strang said.
The change was announced as the province released its second weekly COVID-19 data report after ending its daily updates.
Nova Scotia health officials are reporting continued community spread of COVID-19 and more deaths as the Omicron wave persists in the province.
In the weekly update released on Friday, officials say the number of new hospital admissions remains high, with 41 reported from March 9-15, along with 23 discharges.
There were also 15 additional deaths attributed to the new coronavirus during this period, bringing the total number of deaths in the province during the pandemic to 232.
Officials also say 2,888 positive PCR tests were recorded at the provincial lab during the week and 38 people were hospitalized with the virus on Thursday.
As of Tuesday, 87.1% of Nova Scotians were considered fully immunized against COVID-19 with two shots, while 63.2% of those 18 and older had received a booster shot.
“The pandemic is not over, which means the need for all of us to continue doing our part is not over yet,” Mr Strang said, noting the lifting of restrictions on Monday. In addition to the mask-wearing requirement, limits on gatherings and physical distancing will also be lifted.
Businesses and organizations will be able to resume full operations, while events including festivals, sports and religious ceremonies can resume fully without restrictions.
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