While they are still strongly being encouraged, the wearing of masks by staff, students and families in the province’s K-12 school system will be a personal choice as of Tuesday, May 24.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says COVID activity has dropped significantly in the province and while the virus continues to circulate, community transmission is much lower.

Fitzgerald indicates that the circulation of other respiratory illnesses, like influenza, will increase as mask mandates are lifted.

She says a number of factors should be considered when deciding if and when to wear a mask including whether you are up-to-date on your vaccines and boosters.

If the answer is no, then you should consider wearing a mask. She also recommends face covering if you haven’t had COVID-19 in the last three months, if you or someone close to you is in a high-risk group, and if you are attending a large indoor event at school.

She is encouraging people to be kind to each other and respect a person’s decision to either wear or not wear a mask.

Meanwhile, effective tomorrow, public service employees are no longer required to wear masks in core government departments, although masks that cover the nose and mouth are still recommended.