Nova Scotia to End Mask Mandate for Public Schools on May 24

Students wear face masks as they attend class on the first day of school in Montreal on Aug. 31, 2021. The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes

Nova Scotia is dropping its mask mandate for public schools starting May 24, the province says.

In a release, the education ministry said that although the masking requirements for schools will soon be lifted, “masks will continue to be recommended” and those who “choose to wear a mask will be supported.”

Provincial Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development Becky Druhan said the decision comes as warmer weather allows classes to spend more time outdoors, and the province’s “health data and school attendance data [are] improving.”

Nova Scotia had lifted most of its pandemic restrictions on March 21 except for the wearing of masks and limitations on gathering in public schools, long-term care facilities, and hospitals.

On April 13, Druhan said the mask mandate would stay and be reassessed closer to May 20, while at the same time stressing that keeping the requirement in schools “supports operational considerations.”

In the latest release, the minister added that all provinces in Canada have now removed mask mandates in schools. Quebec ended its masking requirement on May 14.

Druhan said her government will continue to supply masks and hand sanitizer in schools.

“Students, staff and visitors are also asked to continue to follow core public health measures,” said the release.

These measures include “getting vaccinated if eligible, staying home if feeling unwell, following the COVID-19 daily checklist, and washing and sanitizing hands frequently.”