Guidance issued on mask wearing in schools from 3rd Class

Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 30/11/2021. Guidance issued on mask wearing in schools from 3rd Class

Tags: Parenting Teachers

The Department of Education has issued guidelines to schools this evening, on the wearing of face masks in primary schools for those in third class and up. The guidelines include what exemptions will apply. The new rule, which was recommended by Nphet last week, is to take effect immediately, and will be reviewed in February.

Pupils from third class and up in primary schools are required to wear a face mask/covering. The guideline document sets out exemptions as follows:

'Exemptions : A medical certificate to certify that a person falls into a category listed below must be provided to the school on behalf of, any person (pupil) who claims that they are covered by the exemptions below:

any pupil with difficulty breathing or other relevant medical conditions

any pupil who is unable to remove the cloth face-covering or visor without assistance

any pupil who has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the cloth face covering or visor, for example pupils with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory concerns or tactile sensitivity.

Schools will be best placed to identify those children whose complex needs are such that the wearing of face covering may not be possible for them, and to discuss this with parents as required. In such circumstances a school may not require medical certification to provide an exemption to the wearing of face coverings. In other circumstances where a medical certificate is not provided that person (staff or pupil) will be refused entry to the school. '

Pupils from 3rd class and up on the primary transport scheme are also required to wear face masks/coverings subject to the exemptions above.

Parents are advised that they obtain face masks for their children which fit properly and are comfortable for the child to wear. In the event that a child forgets, loses or damages their masks during the course of the school day, then the school should have a sufficient supply to replace the mask for the child in case a back-up face covering is needed during the day or where required on an ongoing basis.

Read the full guideline document here

The Government has also this evening said that "on a temporary basis," the wearing of face covernings will be recommended for children aged 9 years and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings. Parents have also been asked to reduce socialisation indoors of children aged 12 and under for the next twoo weeks.