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Face mask measures in primary schools could be lifted 'overnight'

The National Parents Council says most primary school children are not wearing masks correctly
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

07.57 14 Feb 2022


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Face mask measures in primary...

Face mask measures in primary schools could be lifted 'overnight'

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

07.57 14 Feb 2022


Share this article


Face masks should be removed 'overnight' in primary schools, if public heath advice finds they're no longer needed.

That's according to the National Parents Council, which says most primary school children are not wearing their masks correctly.

NPHET is due to meet this week to discuss the issue as debate continues among parents.

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Aine Lynch is CEO of the National Parents Council.

She told Newstalk Breakfast the majority they have been speaking to think the measure should be scrapped.

"We do hear from parents on both sides of the discussion, and parents who feel very reassured that their children are wearing masks.

"But more recently we're hearing from more and more parents who are saying 'when are mask restrictions going to be removed'.

"Of parents that are contacting us, it's the majority view".

She says parents have several concerns in relation to masks on younger children.

"Generally they're concerned about their children's social, emotional development.

"The children don't want to wear them everyday, sometimes it can be a struggle getting them to put them on.

"And on the other side of it they're saying their children aren't wearing them properly.

"They often pull them down to talk to each other, they pull them down to show expressions if they're laughing".

She says this is "a normal thing that we can expect from young children who are trying to learn to communicate and make friends.

"So if they're not wearing them properly, it really does I suppose raise the question of why are they still wearing them at all".

And she believes the measure should be removed quickly, if the advice finds it is warranted.

"All along with the pandemic we've obviously wanted to recommended sticking with public health advice cause we're not public health experts ourselves.

"But I suppose what we would like to see is if there is no public health reason for children to continue to wear masks in school, then we would like to see that lifted overnight - as the restrictions a number of weeks ago were lifted overnight.

"So we just think they need to be lifted as soon as that advice is given".

Face mask measures in primary schools could be lifted 'overnight'

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Main image: File photo shows two girls running to school wearing protective face masks. Picture by: Aliaksei Yaskevich / Alamy Stock Photo

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Aine Lynch Face Masks NPHET National Parents Council Newstalk Breakfast Primary Schools

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