Both Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Saskatoon Public Schools have beefed up their mask mandates. Starting today (tues), masks will be mandatory for all students, staff and visitors at high schools and collegiates within the two school divisions. Previously, face masks were only strongly recommended for high schools and collegiates, but they weren’t mandatory.

Masks are required indoors for all students, staff and visitors. Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools says the decision was made at the recommendation of local Medical Health Officers, with COVID-19 case rates increasing, driven by the Delta variant.

A letter from Saskatoon Public Schools to parents lists the same reasons, saying, “With the Delta variant prevalent in our community, we are concerned about the continued health and well-being of our students and staff members.