Hamilton students allowed to opt-out of mask requirement

Hamilton’s public school board says students can opt-out of the mask requirement only if a parent approves and submits an online form.

The school board sent clarification out to parents Tuesday night, saying they must fill out a form if they want their children to be exempt from wearing a mask.

If a student is not wearing a mask but hasn’t formally opted-out, educators can ask the student to put on a mask and direct them to the opt out process online.

The mask requirement will be in place on Monday until Jan. 16, when the motion is up for review at the next school board meeting.

We continue to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of HWDSB students and staff.

The Temporary Universal Masking Requirement means that students and staff are required to wear a mask in HWDSB schools, unless they have opted out.

Read more: https://t.co/QAvStdakeq pic.twitter.com/7WOkRcxtQY

— HWDSB (@HWDSB) December 8, 2022

In the release, the school board says the measure is intended to be “supportive, not punitive.”

The decision was partially made because of the overwhelmed pediatric hospitals across the province, including Hamilton, and a surge of viral illnesses in children.

Masks will be made available for free at Hamilton’s public schools – the board says it’s planning to work with the ministry to acquire more masks.

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