Ottawa's top doctor stops short of recommending masks in schools
Ottawa's medical officer of health is stopping short of recommending everyone wear a mask in Ottawa schools as students return to class.
However, Dr. Vera Etches said masks are "another layer of protection" for children, teachers and families during the school year.
"I think our children know they should always have a mask in their pocket and in their backpack and we encourage them to wear them when they're in close contact with others. It's something they've gotten used to," Dr. Etches said on CTV Morning Live when asked if she will recommend her children wear masks in schools.
"For families where it's going to be something they want to do and their children aren't quite sure that they want to wear masks, you can have that conversation about why and how it protects them and protects others, and maybe find ways to make it easier – is it a mask they like, is it something that's comfortable for them."
The Ministry of Education has said masks will not be mandatory in schools this fall. Ottawa's English and French school boards have said masks are "optional", and students and staff may wear a mask if they want to. The health unit has recommended through the summer to wear a mask in indoor settings and when physical distancing is not possible.
Ontario’s Science Advisory Table is not making a formal recommendation on if and when to reintroduce mandatory masking in schools, citing a lack of consensus on the topic.
Etches says everyone must prioritize keeping students in school after three school years with disruptions due to COVID-19.
"We can use those layers of protection. The first thing to do, we all need to do this for each other, is to make sure that we screen for those symptoms of headache, sore throat, feeling tired and just don't go to school if we aren't feeling well," Etches said Tuesday morning.
"Wearing a mask is another layer of protection some are going to choose, whether a child, a youth or an adult. We know that schools are going to work to promote is an acceptable, friendly environment for masks."
The medical officer of health reminds parents and guardians that students must wear a mask in public for 10 days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. People have to isolate for five days from the onset of symptoms.
"We should expect to see some mask wearing for those who are at higher risk for sure, and for those who are returning to school," Etches said.
The medical officer of health says schools "teach kindness and inclusion", and wearing masks and supporting children and teachers who wear masks is important.
"I do want to encourage that we want to be kind and helping others avoid infection is one of the things we want to teach our children," Etches said.
"There are families who are going to talk to children about how important it is for them to wear a mask because they have someone in their family who is at risk at severe illness and we want to support those children who are coming to school wearing masks."
Correction
Ottawa's medical officer of health says children must wear a mask in public for 10 days after the onset of symptoms, not "10 days after symptoms appear" as previously reported.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.