Masks are one of the most effective tools in preventing transmission of Covid-19 in classrooms. Our schools do not have the option of social distancing, and only a small percentage of schools have made significant improvements to indoor air quality that will mitigate the risk of transmission in schools. Masks are a simple solution that protects everyone in the classroom from spreading the COVID-19 virus, along with colds, influenza, and gastrointestinal viruses. Having a healthier school environment benefits everyone. 

As has been demonstrated in many scientific journals and stated by our public health officials, COVID-19 is an airborne virus. This means that the virus can travel through the air when it is expelled from the mouth and nose during speaking, singing, yelling, coughing, sneezing, etc. When a person wears a mask in a classroom, this severely reduces infection from student to student, student to educator, or educator to student. “Evidence on aerosol spread of the SARSCoV2 virus shows that expelled virus particles can spread over distances and linger in fine aerosols for periods of time, much like second-hand smoke,” Dr Teresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health officer wrote, advising Canadians that masks are an integral protection against COVID-19 infection. Keeping masks in schools during this school year allows more students and staff to feel safer and more protected. As well, it will continue to keep infection numbers lower, which will keep infections down in the wider community. 

While we may feel like the case numbers have dropped in recent weeks, there is no way to know. Testing is now available to only a small part of the population. Due to the lack of information, it is easy to think we are in a safe moment in the pandemic,. However we must remember that BA.2 (nicknamed Stealth variant) is on the rise, and when we have relaxed protections in the past, cases have quickly risen.

Removing this protection in schools will also negatively impact any member of the school community who is at risk, or who have family who is at risk. This will put them in the position of possibly needing to remove their child from school to protect their vulnerable family members. There’s also the risks of Long Covid and MIS-C, both of which can afflict previously healthy children. Allowing unmitigated spread of COVID-19 increases the chances that some children will have long-term effects later on. This is because COVID-19 has been proven to be a vascular illness, not just a respiratory one.  Studies are showing that there are even increased chances of children developing diabetes after a bout with COVID-19.  Can any of us guarantee that catching COVID now is going to be as benign as the common cold? Evidence seems to be pointing otherwise.  Whose children will be the unlucky ones?  We are still learning about COVID-19’s effects. Remember that chicken pox was considered “mild” until people started developing shingles in their 50’s. At that point, “chicken-pox parties” went out of style, and vaccinating for chicken pox became important. Masking is cheap, easy, and a good way to protect oneself as well as others.  Our children are worth it. 

Now is not the time to remove simple protections. If we keep the protections we have now, for the 2021/22 school year, we will keep everyone healthier and safer. 

Let's show the world that BC works together to protect each other!