The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) wants mask mandates back in schools immediately..STF is concerned about the University of Saskatchewan wastewater data showing a 742% increase of COVID-19 in Saskatoon, 250% in North Battleford, and 56% in Prince Albert..Patrick Maze, president of the STF, thinks these wastewater data results are a threat to a safe learning environment..“Saskatchewan educators want to be in schools along with their students, teaching and learning in a safe environment. These new wastewater results are alarming and need to be taken seriously,” said Maze..Paul Merriman, minister of Health, is not concerned about the wastewater data, as it is inconsistent from week to week..“The prediction of the wastewater was up a little bit, quite a bit in Saskatoon, but I haven’t found that to be a consistent number. Seems to be up 30%, down 200%, up 300% or 400%. It seems to be bouncing around quite a bit,” said Merriman..According to the STF news release, they want “mandatory masks in schools, on school buses, and for extracurricular activities.”.Anyone who tests positive and experiences close contacts need to isolate..STF wants “PCR testing for teachers and all student-facing school staff.”.Maze said he hopes the government of Saskatchewan takes COVID-19 seriously..“Students have already sacrificed so much. It is time to prioritize and protect their needs. We cannot wish COVID-19 away,” said Maze. .“Learning to live with COVID-19 must mean learning to take appropriate and reasonable measures when the situation calls for them.”.“The government’s decisions have left us with very limited data available to assess the risk in our communities. Absenteeism is unusually high for teaching staff and students, and there is a lack of available substitute teachers.”.During the media scrum, a reporter asked Merriman about the STF wanting to reintroduce the mask mandates in schools..“Not at this time. If somebody wants to wear a mask, whether in a school or healthcare facility. I think those conversations should be happening around the dinner table with families,” said Merriman..“Whether they feel that if someone in their family is immune-compromised that they should have masks on to go outside or to school and I saw a bunch of kids crossing the street and probably 75% had masks on.”.Maze thinks the optional mask option does not protect students, teachers, and other staff from COVID-19..“This government has a responsibility to keep students, staff and the greater community safe. Our health system is over capacity and healthcare workers are stressed. We need to ensure that those who are ill receive the assistance they need in a timely way,” said Maze..“By reintroducing these basic and minimal health measures, fewer people will require hospitalization and schools can continue to operate safely.”.The STF ends their news release by threatening to put in its own mask mandate if the government does not act..“If the government continues to ignore the reality in communities and classrooms, and fails to introduce basic health measures, the federation urges the school divisions to fulfill their obligations and exercise their authority to protect students’ access to education and the health of students and staff,” said the STF news release..Chris Oldcorn is a Western Standard Reporter based in Regina.,coldcorn@westernstandard.news,Twitter: @chrisoldcorn,.Parler: @chrisoldcorn
