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
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.