The Waterloo Region District School Board is out with some stronger language on its guidance on masking for students and staff, in a new letter that was sent to parents Wednesday.
First announced on Friday, the letter states that the board is now "strongly recommending" that students and staff wear masks while in the classroom.
The board said it made the change to better align its guidance with the messaging that is coming from regional health officials.
Masking and vaccination are also strongly recommended by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, though its message notes that masking is optional under the provincial government's policy.
Students and staff have not been required to wear a mask since returning from March Break.
This discussion is resurfacing as local schools have been facing COVID-19 related staffing challenges over recent weeks.
The latest absenteeism rate for local schools is above 10 per cent.
