Education Minister Gord Wyant says at this point, masks will not be mandatory in Saskatchewan’s schools, although that could change as the situation with COVID-19 changes.
He says the government is following the advice of Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, who has had conversations with all of the other provincial experts and with Canada’s top doctor, Theresa Tam.
Wyant adds that if it’s warranted, school could begin in Phase 2, which includes mandatory masking.
Phase 1 does not, but each school division can make their own choice.
As it stands, some school divisions have already made the decision to recommend masking where physical distancing can’t be achieved, including Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.
The government has procured 6-million disposable masks for schools which will be available at the beginning of the school year, if needed.
The province has also supported school divisions in obtaining access to free face shields for staff through a Canadian company based in Ontario.

The Saskatchewan Medial Association is urging more caution with the school reopening plan.
President, Dr. Barbara Konstantynowicz, says SMA representatives met the the Chief Medical Health Officer and the Ministries of Health and Education to talk about using masks in schools right from the beginning, rather than considering it a plan for down the road, if needed.
Konstantynowicz says mask use is proven to reduce the spread of the virus.