Don’t extend mask mandates after March break, education minister tells Ontario schools

The Toronto Star: 'Ontario has fired a shot across the bow of school boards that are pushing to extend COVID-19 masking in classrooms beyond March 21. In the wake of a decision by the Hamilton-Wentworth public school board to keep masking in place until April 15, Education Minister Steven Lecce issued a statement Friday telling boards to stick to the provincial timeline issued by chief medical officer Dr. Kieran Moore.

'Lecce noted Ontario is one of the last jurisdictions in North America to lift masking requirements. “School boards in this province are expected to implement this cautious plan, coupled with the ongoing improvement of air ventilation within Ontario classrooms,” he said. The Toronto public and Catholic boards have both asked to keep mask mandates in schools for a few additional weeks, seeking the advice of public health and the Education Ministry.'