The province will remove the mask requirement in public schools starting next Tuesday, May 24.
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Becky Druhan, says masks will continue to be recommended and that those students, staff, outside service providers, volunteers and visitors who choose to wear a mask will be supported.
“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve worked closely with public health and taken steps to keep staff and students safe,” says Druhan. “We strongly encourage students and staff to continue to wear masks, and we will continue to support staff and students as well as continue to supply masks and hand sanitizer.”
She adds masks helped schools mitigate the impact of COVID-19’s sixth wave, but says as warmer weather approaches in June and classes can spend more time outdoors.
The province says Nova Scotia’s health data and school attendance data is improving and Druhan believes now is the time to make masks optional in schools.
Nova Scotia is the last province to remove mask mandates in schools.
The province is also asking students, staff and visitors to continue to follow core public health measures, including getting vaccinated if eligible, staying home if feeling unwell, following the COVID-19 daily checklist, and washing and sanitizing hands frequently.
