When the country moved to the orange traffic light setting in April, the Government lifted the mask mandate in schools, but Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero is calling on the Government to reconsider its position and make mask-wearing mandatory for students.
School leaders were left to make their own call on mask-wearing rules for staff and students, causing backlash from health experts. Tesoriero said for some disabled people, wearing a mask, and requiring others to wear them, gave necessary protection as well as great comfort.
“The fact that some are unable to wear masks makes it even more important for others to wear them to provide greater protection for all. The exemption process rightfully allows for those who are unable to wear masks to not have to,” she said.
“I’m asking the Government to reconsider its position and make mask wearing mandatory for students. If not then, I’m asking schools to use the ability they have to make it so. That’s because mask wearing at schools helps reduce transmission.”
Students and staff at Mt Roskill Grammar School in Auckland were being strongly encouraged to wear face masks indoors, said school principal Greg Watson. The same goes for Epsom Girls Grammar, also in Auckland.
Additional measures to increase the protection offered by mask wearing, according to Tesoriero, should include: providing free, appropriately sized respirator masks to students and staff, supporting children who need to see faces to communicate and strengthening other protections such as ventilation.
Last month, findings from a Human Rights Commission inquiry said the Government’s Omicron response put disabled people at risk. A report into the inquiry stated the aspirations and needs of disabled people and their whānau in New Zealand were not been given prominence in government policy and decision-making throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
