All middle, and secondary students and K-12 staff will now be required to wear non-medical masks in all indoor areas, including when they are with their learning groups, BC government said today.
The only exceptions are when they are sitting or standing at their seat or workstation in a classroom, there is a barrier in place, or if they are eating or drinking.
Before today’s announcement, masks were required for middle and secondary students and all K-12 staff in high-traffic areas, like hallways and outside of classrooms or learning groups when they could not safely distance from others.
For elementary students, wearing masks indoors remain a personal choice.
Province will announce updated guidelines for the child care sector soon.
Guidelines have also been strengthened for physical education and music classes.
High-intensity physical activities are to be held outside as much as possible, and shared equipment or items, such as weight machines, treadmills or musical instruments can be used only if they are cleaned between use.
