York Region's top doctor recommends kindergartners mask up
York Region's littlest learners could be headed to school with masks tucked into their backpacks.
In the face of climbing cases, medical officer of health Dr. Karim Kurji is recommending to school boards that kindergarten students wear masks where possible to guard against COVID-19.
While the provincial government is only requiring students in grades one through 12 to be masked, Dr. Kurji says the recommendation for kindergartners is in line with advice from the Ontario science table to consider masking when incidence rates rise.
Child care operators should receive instructions for screening soon.
Kurji concedes the return to class with children younger than 12 unable to be vaccinated will be "a little challenging" but says schools have been open before with a high incidence rate of the virus.
He underlines not only a higher case count but also more ICU admissions, including of people in their 30s.
"Given all that, it is prudent that those of us who surround children continue to access vaccinations," Kurji says.
He singles out the under 35 age category, of which only 68 percent are fully vaccinated, compared with 77 percent of the region's population over the age of 12.
Kurji warns that those who are vaccinated shouldn't let their guards down.
"We are finding an increasing proportion of cases being in the fully vaccinated individuals," he notes.
"Those that are fully vaccinated are less likely to be hospitalized and get serious illness. However, if they do get infected, they can be infectious as well."
As kids go back to class, Kurji thinks it makes sense for everyone to go back to the basics of COVID-19 protection measures: reducing contacts, wearing masks indoors, practicing physical distancing, and washing your hands regularly.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.