HKPR Health Unit Advises Students to Wear Masks

Pete Fisher
3 years ago
• Categories: Community, Editor Choice, Local

April 12, 2022

To: Staff, students, parents, and/or guardians,

RE: INDOOR MASKING RECOMMENDATION

Good afternoon,

I am writing to you today to highlight the surge in COVID-19 activity that we are experiencing across the Haliburton, Northumberland, and the City of Kawartha Lakes regions. Despite the lifting of provincial restrictions, the pandemic is not over. As a member of a school community, you have an important role to play in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and helping keep our school communities healthy and safe.

We can help to reduce the impact of COVID-19 by wearing a mask in indoor settings. There is strong evidence that masking is an important layer of protection against COVID-19, especially for those who are not vaccinated (e.g., children under 5 yrs.), or are at risk of severe COVID-19 illness (e.g., immunocompromised and the elderly). Masks should be three-layered, well-fitted, cover the nose and mouth, and should be replaced if damp or visibly soiled.

As a student or school staff, you should:
– Complete daily school screening before entering the school
– Stay home when sick or unwell
– Wear a well-fitted mask when in indoor spaces, especially when two metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained
– Seek COVID-19 vaccination and/or booster(s) if eligible. Visit COVID-19 Vaccines for more information.

Our website is updated regularly with the latest information on COVID-19.

Thank you for helping to keep our communities healthy,

Natalie Bocking, MD MIPH CCFP FRCPC

Medical Officer of Health, Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit