Now informing schools they should “enforce a mask wearing policy” for students year 4 and above, the government has changed its position on masks in schools, again.
A bulletin on the Ministry of Education website states that Hon Jan Tinetti has sent a letter informing school boards outlining the Government’s strong recommendation to review and enforce a mask wearing policy as much as practicable.
“I hope you’re keeping safe out there as heavy rain and strong winds batter much of the country. We’re also battling winter illnesses and the ongoing effects of COVID-19 that will impact your school community as you enter Term 3,” the bulletin begins.
“To help you with this, the Government is providing adult-sized and now child masks for Term 3.”
The shift comes after the government scrapped mandated mask-wearing in schools in April - a decision criticised by health experts. At the time, the government’s advice was relaxed to masks only being encouraged. That advice has now changed, with schools now being asked to have policies on mask enforcement.
“The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education strongly recommend that all schools and kura amend their mask policy for the first four weeks of Term 3 to require mask wearing in all indoors for students Year 4 and above, where it will not have a significant impact on teaching and learning,” continued the bulletin.
“You will need time to communicate this change with parents, caregivers and whānau. In this case, we recommend that you do so as soon as practicable in Term 3 and leave the change in place until Friday 19 August.
“We will advise whether it may be necessary to extend the mask policy beyond the first four weeks of Term 3.”
The website provides templates for advice on mask wearing.
