educators might buy masks that are knock-offs with similar names to n95 masks approved by health canada, said the memo.
the n95 masks are classified as “respirators,” and require fit testing and training to use them properly, according to occupational health and safety and labour regulations, said mccoy.
when asked if the medical masks now provided to staff required any training and monitoring to ensure they are worn properly, williams-taylor said n95 masks had more stringent requirements for donning and doffing.
trustee rob campbell said he relies on the advice of ottawa public health, which has not called for n95 masks at schools.
the province has said that respirator masks like n95s are not necessary for educators unless they are doing medical procedures that generate aerosols, which aren’t usually done at schools.
that assessment is controversial, however, with some saying it’s not based on the scientific evidence about how the virus can spread in the air, especially in poorly ventilated, crowded and close quarters.
education unions, some scientists and epidemiologists and opposition politicians at queen’s park have called for higher-quality ppe for educators, especially as the province battles the highly contagious delta variant.