On Monday (Feb.14), the province lifted mask mandates for Alberta students from elementary to high school.
Local divisions, including Elk Island Public, Elk Island Catholic and Sturgeon Public Schools, all followed suit.
According to education minister Adriana LaGrange, school divisions no longer have the authority to implement their own mask mandates.
“School authorities cannot deny their students access to in-person education due to their personal decision to wear or not to wear a mask in schools,” she said.
Prevention measures, including cohorting and enhanced cleaning and sanitization, will remain for the time being.
“Individual family choices need to be respected, and students should not be stigmatized for their choice related to masking going forward.”
The Alberta Federation of Labour joined a group of parents with children who have disabilities in filing a court injunction to keep masks in place; however, the application was dismissed.
Masking will still be required for adults, including teachers, administrators and other school staff, including school bus drivers, until the mandate is lifted for all on Mar.1.