New COVID-19 mask rules coming to many of Quebec's elementary schools
Starting Monday, there will be new rules for children in many of Quebec's elementary schools, as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in that age group.
According to Quebec's health ministry, masks for children aged four and five will now be mandatory on school buses, if older children are present.
In addition, during indoor physical education classes, masks will be required when it is not possible to maintain a distance of two metres between students in grades one to six.
These changes are taking place in elementary schools in 10 regions of Quebec:
- Centre-du-Québec;
- Estrie;
- Lanaudière;
- Laurentides;
- Laval;
- Mauricie;
- Montérégie;
- Montreal;
- Outaouais;
- and the four MRCs of Chaudière-Appalaches (MRC des Appalaches, MRC de Robert-Cliche, MRC de Beauce-Sartigan and MRC des Etchemins).
Up until now, masks were only required from Grade 1 and up, including on school buses.
Children under the age of 12 are currently not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
However, federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu stated this week she expects a submission from Pfizer in the coming weeks for the use of the vaccine in children aged five to 11.
"We anticipate that we'll get a submission, hopefully in the early stages of October," she said on CTV's Power Play. "As soon as we receive the data from the company, the regulators are well-situated to rapidly review that data."
The changes in Quebec schools will take effect starting Monday, Oct. 4.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.