The mask will not be mandatory for Quebec students next school year, but only “if the situation remains the same”. However, in a sign that the risk of an eighth wave is real, Quebec wants to acquire 30 million masks by the fall. And in the university network, we are already preparing to have to adapt.
Posted at 5:00 am
Henri Ouellette-Vézina La Presse
“If the situation remains the same, no change is planned for the start of the school year. As Public Health reiterated in a press conference, the measures in force will be the same as last June,” said Audrey Noiseux, press secretary in the office of Education Minister Jean-François Roberge.
She reminds that wearing a mask, which has not been formally required in the school network since May 14, remains “at the discretion of each person”.
However, in a tender published on the government’s e-tendering system, we learn that the government “wants to purchase 30 million masks [médicaux] Level 3 adults” at the request of the Quebec Department of Education to allow all school service centers and private entities “to comply with health measures established by public health […] during the 2022-2023 school season.
Apparently, the authorities also want to liquidate a reserve for the future, because “the contract provides for two options for the purchase of 30 million masks, possibly for recurring needs, on the same terms”. “A 30-day notice will be sent to the supplier to exercise any of the options,” authorities said.
Education Ministry spokeswoman Esther Chouinard explains that this call for tenders was mainly carried out as a “preventive measure”.
With 30 million masks for adults, the Ministry of Education expects to be able to distribute masks for a month and a half if masks are compulsory at all times. In the absence of any commitment, the masks will be available for those who wish to continue wearing them.
Esther Chouinard, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education
“We want to make sure we have enough masks [réserve] to be ready when the health situation changes,” Ms Noiseux also commented in Minister Roberge’s office.
Universities prepare
At the Quebec University Network, we will carefully monitor the applicable rules – or changes to them – in anticipation of the start of the school year. “In the event of a change in government guidance, we will adjust accordingly,” said HEC Montréal spokeswoman Émilie Novales.
For now “the mask [médical] is no longer mandatory on our campus, but to help contain the spread of COVID-19, certain health measures are still recommended, including physical distancing, physical barriers and wearing a mask [médical] ‘ Ms. Novales continues. “These instructions are now a personal choice,” she insists, recalling that the institution continues to provide masks, hydroalcoholic gel and rapid tests to its students.
McGill University spokeswoman Shirley Cardenas also said: “We need to be careful.” “Masks will continue to be available on our campuses and anyone wishing to wear them is encouraged to do so, particularly indoors. If Quebec decides to change its policy on masks, the university could review the instructions on our site as well,” she recalls.
At the University of Montreal, the COVID-19 Management Committee met Tuesday “to take stock of the start of the new school year” and should soon issue recommendations. “At the moment there are no plans to make it mandatory to wear a mask when returning to classes in the fall. However, the university will closely monitor the development of the situation and make further adjustments if necessary,” says spokeswoman Julie Gazaille.
How is the eighth wave developing?
The Quebec government’s announcement comes barely 24 hours after Ontario Secretary of Education Stephen Lecce confirmed that students don’t have to wear the mask and said he wanted them to “keep the clubs, sports and extracurriculars full.” exploit”. Activities essential to their physical and mental health”.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVE
dr Luc Boileau, National Director of Public Health
Speaking of “encouraging signals” last Thursday, the national director of public health, Dr. Luc Boileau, however, warned that the gradual decline of the seventh wave still requires great caution. Because, in his opinion, going back to school will “most likely” revive infections, as has often been the case since the beginning of the pandemic.
Quebec believes it will be able to model “what should happen in the fall” within a week, but warns up front that there will “certainly be a rise in cases again”.
A new vaccination campaign will begin on August 15, initially with people living in CHSLDs, private aged care residences (RPA) or other residential settings who can receive a new booster shot. François Legault also received his fourth dose last Friday.