Prairie Valley division pauses extracurricular activities, mandates masks for all students

The Prairie Valley Board of Education is putting extracurricular activities on hold, and requiring the use of masks for all students, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The board oversees the Prairie Valley School Division, whichserves almost 8,500 students in 39 schools throughout southeast Saskatchewan.

Extracurricular activities will be paused in Prairie Valleyschools until Jan. 4, 2021.

A news release from the board said the move comes in accordance with the provincial restrictions on private gatherings and physical distancing guidelines for fitness facilities.

Masks will also be mandatory for all students, including students in pre-kindergarten to Grade 3. The province announced on Nov. 17 that masks would be required in indoor places, but their use in schools for students below Grade 4 is left to the discretion of school divisions.

"Administration acknowledges these changes may be challenging for some," the Prairie Valley release said.

"We must all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 so our students can continue learning in our schools."