Hi there,

The Ontario government announced that masks will no longer be mandated in our province (which includes elementary, high schools, and universities/colleges). Many, including myself, are highly concerned with this latest legislation. Some universities have already indicated that masks will still be required. We hoped this announcement would come later in the spring or summer if things continued to improve. I am an occasional teacher and fully aware of the dynamics of a school at each of these levels. In a high flowing environment like a school that is busy, packed, and tight, the risk of infection and transmission will be much higher without masks. This is a guarantee. There is not only a danger in being infected, we also don’t know the long-term effects of this virus. Several unions are urging the government to keep mask mandates in schools. They believe it is ill-advised and will put children and education staff at an increased risk. Please pray that this week there’s a decision made to continue mask mandates. I’d love the same for our city, so you can include that in your prayers as well. We are not in the clear yet. By spring or summer, we should hopefully be good to go. Please pray that our government (and governments worldwide) do the wise thing by putting the safety and protection of all individuals at a top priority. Thank you.

Chris