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Union calls for introduction of mandatory face coverings in all school areas

Thu, 02 Dec 2021

A teaching union is called for ministers must urgently reintroduce Covid safety mitigations in Manx schools, amid soaring case numbers which appear to be driven by infections amongst pupils and staff.

The NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, has written to the Manx Government to warn that without the reintroduction of proportionate safety measures, children’s education will continue to be disrupted and the safety and welfare of school staff, pupils and the wider community will be put at risk.

The Union is calling for:
• A pause on whole-school assemblies and in-person staff/parents meetings
• The introduction of mandatory face coverings in all school areas
• The postponement or cancellation of any non-essential activities.

Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: “Schools in the Isle of Man currently have some of the lowest levels of Covid safety mitigations. Face coverings, though recommended, are seldom worn by pupils in communal areas. Carbon dioxide detectors have not been rolled out as expected, with schools still awaiting deliveries.

“At a time when we are seeing an exponential rise in cases, with many linked to schools, it is prudent and essential that the Isle of Man Government takes action.

“The focus must be on protecting public health and avoiding further damaging disruption to pupils’ education. Introducing and enforcing compliance with the proportionate measures we have set out in our letter will help in the fight to avoid a bad situation becoming worse in the run up to Christmas.

“Pupils, parents and school staff must not be left to have to pay the price of a lack of appropriate Covid safety measures in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.”
 

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