Following representations by the ASTI, the Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has announced the adoption of new advice from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) regarding the use of face coverings within schools.
Interim HPSC advice on the re-opening of schools issued earlier this summer did not recommend the use of face coverings by teachers and students. The ASTI wrote to the Minister for Education last week seeking a review of the interim advice ahead of schools re-opening in late August. The ASTI pointed to recent government policy decisions on the use of facemasks on public transport and in other enclosed spaces, and the delay of Phase 4 of the government’s re-opening of the country.
At the request of the Minister, the HPSC has reviewed and updated its advice and has recommended to the Minister the implementation of face coverings for both teachers and students in second-level schools.
Commenting on today’s announcement ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie said: “Schools are working hard to implement the necessary safety arrangements in time for re-opening. Keeping schools open must be the priority, and this means minimising the risk of transmission within classrooms and other learning environments.”
The ASTI has also noted the Minister’s announcement regarding a range of supports being made available to assist schools in re-opening.
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