Some parents frustrated as B.C. removes 'layer of protection' in schools by dropping mask mandate
CBC
Advocates in B.C. are raising concerns about COVID-19 transmission after the province announced masks would no longer be required in schools after spring break.
Health officials announced Thursday, a day ahead of spring break for many K-12 students in B.C., that almost all public health restrictions in the province are being lifted.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry described schools as "low-risk" environments during a news conference announcing the end of restrictions.
"We know that as risk goes down in the community, that's reflected in risk in these structured lower risk environments," she said.
Henry said schools would be a "mask positive" environment, but they would not be mandated. Requirements to stagger meal breaks and keep kids physically distanced are also being dropped in schools.
In a school year that has seen no public exposure notices posted in schools and frustration over safety measures from parents, the latest announcement is leaving some on edge.
Vancouver resident Chantal Moore is pulling her daughter Josie out of school, saying the lack of masks puts her immunocompromised daughter at risk.
Josie, 10, has asthma and was hospitalized with the flu as a toddler, her mother said.
"I saw her go to school this past month. She had a sparkle in her eye," Moore told CBC News. "She actually loves being in the classroom. And she met a new best friend over the past month.
"I think she's quite crushed and you can see a change in her mood. It's a bit heartbreaking."
Moore is now preparing for the prospect of homeschooling her daughter for the rest of the year while juggling a full-time job.
"It's really tough. My daughter doesn't learn as well from home. She loves the in-classroom interactions," she said.
"Something as simple as a mask can help her and help others stay safe."
In addition to the concerns over Josie's health, Moore also has a two-year-old son, Wesley, who is not yet eligible to be vaccinated.
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This First Person column is written by Melinda Maldonado, who lives in Toronto. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.
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