York public school board confirms teachers must wear masks provided by board

3 York Region District School Board teachers told CBC they risked suspension if they wore N95 masks

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 14, 2021
Jeremy Grimaldi

York Region District School Board has responded to a media report suggesting its teachers wearing N95 masks, rather than the board-approved surgical masks, have been threatened with suspension without pay should they not comply with policies.

The board's statement comes hot on the heels of a CBC report quoting three unidentified teachers claiming they've been threatened with job action following a decision to wear the N95 masks, which offer more protection against COVID-19.

"Staff are provided with medical grade masks and other appropriate personal protective equipment as required by the provincial government," board spokesperson Licinio Miguelo wrote in an email. "They must wear board-provisioned personal protective equipment to ensure it meets health and safety requirements and (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards."

Miguelo went on to say that while he can't speak on individual circumstances, including threats of suspension, he did say the board will take "steps" to ensure compliance.

"The board may employ progressive steps to ensure compliance with this and other provincial requirements to ensure the safety of everyone in our schools and classrooms," he said.

Miguelo added that some staff are allowed to wear N95 masks, but only if they have special training.

"In some situations, there are specific staff members who are trained and undertake aerosol generating medical procedures while supporting students, and for such procedures, an N95 mask and other appropriate personal protective equipment is provided."