In . – 04/19/2022 14:43 (act 04/19/2022 14:43)
How should it continue in terms of mandatory masks in schools? ©APA/dpa/Marijan Murat (image of symbol)
What’s left of the Corona mask requirement in schools is causing arguments among parents.
Some associations are calling for an immediate exit, while others would like to wait until then. The president of the Federal Association of Elementary and Middle School Parents, Christoph Drexler, summarized in the “Wiener Zeitung” (Tuesday edition): There is a “wide range of opinions” among parents on this issue.
Mask required in schools
On Tuesday, many schools resumed teaching after the Easter holidays, others still have an autonomous school day. However, the mask rules have not changed, despite easing in other areas of school life. The mask does not need to be worn for most of the school day – it is not mandatory in the classroom or in classrooms and gyms. In the hallways or in the cloakroom or cafeteria (except at mealtimes), however, students up to the lower grades must wear mouth and nose protection, the older ones an FFP2 mask. In addition, directors can enforce stricter rules for a limited period of time if infection cases accumulate.
Topic Mask Requirement: Comparison Events – School
Over the weekend, the Vienna State Association of Parents’ Associations in compulsory public education institutions in the ORF called for an end to the mask requirement. It’s incomprehensible why a mask doesn’t need to be worn at events, but at school.
At the same time, there are several parent petitions in circulation that (among other things, like more corona testing) are demanding stricter mask rules. The president of the umbrella organization of parent associations in compulsory schools, Evelyn Kometter, in turn, called on the Ö1 “Mittagsjournal” for a two-week “safety phase” after the Easter holidays. In this case, the mask should continue to be worn in the hallways and testing should also be carried out twice a week (instead of just once as currently planned). Only then should you completely do without the mask.
Drexler: Students’ mental situation is at the forefront – the end of the mask requirement is coming anyway
Drexler took a very pragmatic view of the situation, given the differing opinions of the parents. For him, improving the psychological situation of students is a priority. The mask requirement will drop in the coming weeks anyway. “It would be much more important to us that children and young people find joy in learning again.” According to his impression, a considerable part of the motivation to learn had been lost after two years of the pandemic.
The Ministry of Education did not want to set an exact time for the full case of the mask requirement. For now, there will be no changes, the APA said. We are monitoring the situation and will react if necessary.
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