GUELPH – Following in the footsteps of neighbouring board the Upper Grand, the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) is looking at the feasibility of allowing N95 masks for staff.
In a Dec. 6 board meeting, director of education Mike Glazier said the board has received frequent requests from employees asking about allowing the use of N95 masks and respirators.
“So we’ve been working through the development of more consistent guidelines and administrative procedures for those that request them,” he explained to trustees.
In November, trustees at the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) also approved the use of N95 masks for staff, provided they fulfill a series of requirements.
Similar to UGDSB, Glazier explained the respirators would be selected from a pre-approved list from Health Canada and fit testing may be required for certain types of masks or respirators.
“The provincial government currently supplies medical grade masks for all employees, however if a staff member wanted to have a higher-grade mask, then they would be responsible for the fit test as well as be personally responsible for purchasing their own mask,” he explained.
“As we’re beginning to learn more about COVID and we’re starting to know the effects of airborne transmission.
“Through that, there has been requests, even from the [Joint Health and Safety Committee], to consider advocacy in the area of providing higher grade masks.”
Glazier noted the board is continuing to develop procedures around the use of N95 masks and respirators, but he asked trustees for consideration in putting forward a motion that would allow staff to use them if they desire.
The motion, passed unanimously, directed the chair of the board, Vikki Dupuis, to write a letter to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour to “consider the approval and endorsement of masking better than level two and that the Ministry of Education enhance PPE for all staff.”
“I think that it’s so important to put all personnel at ease,” said vice chair Sebastian Dal Bo.
“If they’re comfortable or more comfortable with that, I think it’s an absolute requirement.”
