Canadian Paediatric Society questions Alberta's lifting of school mask mandates
CTV
The professional body representing Canadian pediatricians is questioning the rationale behind Alberta lifting masking requirements in schools for students.
The professional body representing Canadian pediatricians is questioning the rationale behind Alberta lifting masking requirements in schools for students.
In a series of statements on social media, the Canadian Paediatric Society said lifting mask mandates when so few children are vaccinated increases the risk of COVID-19 exposure while at school.
"Mask-wearing reduces the risk of indoor transmission, especially in schools and other group settings," the society said in a Tweet on Friday that tagged Education Minister Adriana LaGrange directly.
"We should be doing everything possible to reduce the risk of virus transmission in schools, and avoid the potential for further disruptions to in-person learning," the Canadian Paediatric Society added.
"Parents should be advised that wearing masks at school will help reduce the risk of transmission, especially until more children are vaccinated."
As of Friday, the province reported that 46.4 per cent of those aged 5 to 11 have received one dose of vaccine, while 19.5 per cent are fully immunized.
Eighty-six per cent of 12 to 14 and 15 to 19-year-olds have received one dose, and 82 per cent of youth in that age range have two doses.
