Parents,
please see letter for Parents below – from Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan.
Face coverings in Primary schools
NPHET has recommended the wearing of face masks/coverings by children in 3rd
class and above in primary schools. They have advised that this measure is being introduced on a
temporary basis and is subject to review in mid-February 2022.
Wearing a face covering or mask does not negate the need to stay at home if symptomatic.
- Face masks/coverings act as a barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from travelling into the air
and onto other people when the person wearing the face mask/covering coughs, sneezes, talks or
raises their voice. Face masks/coverings are therefore intended to prevent transmission of the virus
from the wearer (who may not know that they are infected) to those with whom they come into
close contact. - Face masks/coverings must not contain any slogans/logos/images that may cause upset or be
deemed offensive to any member of the school community. - Exemptions: A medical certificate to certify that a person falls into a category listed below must be provided to
the school on behalf of, any person (pupil) who claims that they are covered by the exemptions
below:
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. - Please contact the school if your child falls under one of these brackets and an exemption will be made.
Should a medical certificate not be provided that person may be refused entry to the school.
Directions for effective use of face masks/coverings can found at the following link https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/aac74c-guidance-on-safe-use-of-face-coverings/
- All pupils should be reminded not to touch the face covering and to wash or sanitise their
hands (using hand sanitiser) before putting on and after taking off the face covering. - Face masks/coverings should be stored in a designated space, for example, in an individually
labelled container or bag. - Cloth face coverings should be washed after every day of use and/or before being used
again, or if visibly soiled. - Face masks/coverings should not be worn if they are wet. A wet cloth face covering may
make it difficult to breathe.
Pupils using school transport
Pupils from 3rd class and up on the primary transport scheme are required to wear face
masks/coverings subject to the exemptions above.
Mixed classes in single rooms
Where there are mixed classes, e.g. 2nd and 3rd class in a single classroom, schools should note that
only children in 3rd class and above, are required to wear face masks. As per previous advice,
however, parents of other children who would prefer that their children wear a face mask are not
precluded from doing this.
Provision of face masks
Parents should be advised that they obtain face masks for their children which fit properly and are
comfortable for the child to wear. In the event that a child forgets, loses or damages their masks
during the course of the school day, the school has a sufficient supply to replace the
mask for the child in case a back-up face covering is needed during the day or where required on an
ongoing basis.
