Children over the age of nine will have to wear masks to school for the first time today.
While schools are being told to show “flexibility” on the rule for the first couple of days, pupils may face being ‘refused entry’ to class if they do not have proof of exemption.
The directive was issued by the Department of Education last night, as cases of Covid-19 surge in the 5-12 year age group.
To curb the spread, NPHET recommeded that masks are worn by children in third class and up. Children in this age group must also wear face coverings if they take a bus to school under the primary transport scheme.
Parents will have to obtain masks for their children, but if 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 it.
Parents will be required to get a medical cert to show that a child is exempt from the rule, if they fall into one of these categories:
- 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.
