Schools get direction on mask use

The Government has changed its position on masks in schools – now informing schools they should ‘‘enforce a mask-wearing policy’’ for students year 4 and above.

The latest change is being prepared ahead of the start of term 3 on Monday.

The shift comes after the Government scrapped mandated maskwearing in schools in April – a decision criticised by health experts. At the time, the Government’s advice was relaxed to masks only being encouraged.

But that advice has changed again, with schools now being asked to have policies on ‘‘mask enforcement’’.

According to a Ministry of Education website, Associate Minister Jan Tinetti has ‘‘sent a letter informing school boards outlining the Government’s strong recommendation to review and enforce a maskwearing policy as much as practicable’’.

Schools have also been provided a ‘‘template letter’’ of advice ‘‘for schools and kura to communicate with parents and wha¯ nau’’.

‘‘We understand that implementing mask policies can be a challenge but ask that you take action to strengthen your mask-wearing policy as soon as possible to protect your staff and students against the transmission of Covid-19 and other airborne respiratory viruses,’’ the ministry website states.

However, this time the onus will be on schools to develop their own enforcement rules and consequences for anyone who doesn’t comply.

Under a section titled ‘‘mask enforcement’’ schools are being told that ‘‘for any child or young person who is failing to comply with the school policy (who is not exempted), you will be able to apply or agree your own school policies to manage this behaviour, in the same way you might enforce sun hat and sunblock rules and uniform rules’’.

PPTA president Melanie Webber said the ministry was passing the responsibility of children’s health onto schools.

‘‘It is a huge additional weight on principals requiring them to consult with their communities and create rules on top of everything else that is going on.

‘‘I think families and principals would appreciate more clear guidance,’’ she said.

Epidemiologist Michael Baker praised the move – but would have liked to have seen it sooner.

‘‘Limiting transmission in schools will save lives in New Zealand. This is a positive move in the right direction,’’ Baker said.

‘‘Now we need to know how many schools are following this advice. What are their mask policies? Are students wearing masks correctly?’’

Baker said there needed to be a national mask strategy which includes increased mask wearing in schools.

The mask-advice change comes after a raft of winter illnesses and staff shortages pushed schools to ‘‘breaking point’’.

The controversial call to remove nationwide school mask mandates sparked disagreement from the Disability Rights Commissioner and an open letter from 150 doctors, asking for the decision to be reversed.

Schools that decided to keep the mask mandate in place saw higher student attendance than those who dropped them.

The Government will be also be providing additional C02 monitors alongside child and adult-sized masks through term 3.

Tinetti said no sanctions would be imposed on schools that did not enforce mask wearing.