Canyons School District likely won’t mandate student masks
Jul 1, 2020, 6:54 PM
The Utah Health Department provides new numbers every day detailing new cases of COVID-19. But the state's dashboard offers a deeper look into what the numbers mean.
SANDY, Utah – The Canyons School District will most likely not require student masks when classes start again, a plan that concerns some of their teachers.
A few spoke out about the proposed rules about student masks during a school board meeting Tuesday night.
Science teacher Abigail Vanier told the board that she realizes the risk of kids getting a serious case of COVID-19 is very low.
“But we don’t have a lot of data on how much [kids can] spread it. Even though they’re not sick, they can be spreading it to others. They could be spreading it to higher risk children and to higher risk teachers,” Vanier said.
Christine Cress said her summer school class did everything they could to stay safe, and at least one of the students tested positive for COVID-19.
She believes student masks are a realistic safeguard, as people sometimes forget to do what’s right during the pandemic.
“When helping a student, I get close to them. I get on their level … You forget when you’re in the classroom that you can’t do those right now,” Cress said.
Under the proposed guidelines, which the district stresses have not been officially adopted yet, adults on campus would be required to wear masks.
District spokesman Jeff Haney told KSL News Radio that they are still taking comments on this issue, but the guidelines in existence now strongly recommend that all students wear masks. The district says it will have masks available for anyone who wants one.
Haney said the guidelines are similar to the state’s, which also does not require kids to wear masks.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
- Get a flu shot.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
