Prince Edward Island ends the mask mandates related to the pandemic on Monday for K-12 schools, school buses, early learning centers, and child care facilities.

Starting Monday as well, children, students, and staff will no longer be required to take rapid COVID-19 tests before going to school or any other place.

The province's Chief Public Health Officer says the number of cases among island residents aged 18 or younger has steadily declined over the past few weeks.

Dr. Heather Morrison says the mask system in schools and care centers can be lifted because this age group has the lowest COVID-19 infection rate in the province.

She says students and staff who choose to continue wearing masks should be fully supported.

The province dropped the mask mandate for most other indoor public places on May 6.