AIBU in agreeing with the NASUWT that masks should be worn in schools by over 11s?

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/28/unions-call-for-teachers-in-england-to-be-able-to-wear-face-masks

Given that they have to be worn almost everywhere else indoors by over 11s it would be the right thing to do. Adults working in schools have as much right to be protected as bus drivers and shop workers.

So AIBU in agreeing with the NASUWT that masks should be worn in schools by over 11s?

@Mistressiggi

I'm very impressed with a head who could sense Covid in any absent staff. I had one of those "mystery" illnesses around the time this was all starting and would love to know if it was actually coronavirus. Maybe your head could sniff it out?

If that's directed at me, I clearly said when it became obvious it was an issue, so after half term in February. We got daily updates to the point we heard more from the head than the press or government was saying officially. If they heard it from DfE, or any official source, we knew. They also lobbied for the right for those with kids with chronic illness to be allowed to go home weeks before the lockdown without being fined. Same for teaching staff.

@DipSwimSwoosh

I do really understand that kids missing education and socializing has been hard, but please don’t peddle this myth that Covid is “no risk to children”.

My 10 yo caught it in March (caught it from school) and was ill for a month, with ongoing side effects (after effects?) for another month or so. He felt so ill that he thought he was going to die. He’s now almost back to full health, but still has relapses.

It doesn’t have to be this absolute black and white issue of either “no risk to kids” (untrue) or “everyone’s going to die!” ( also untrue). Both are equally unrealistic.

@DipSwimSwoosh

"Poor bloody kids. Kept off school for months because of a virus which is no risk to them. Kept away from social gatherings at a time of their lives when they most need to be sociable.
Don't make them wear masks. I couldn't teach my subject wearing a mask.
Let school be somewhere they can learn and be sociable."

And what about children with long term health conditions? My daughter has barely left the house since lockdown because of her chronic disease. (And no, it's not mild asthma, much more serious than that)

How do you propose protecting children like her? I can think of at least a dozen children at my own school who also have serious health conditions. How do propose protecting these children?

*And what about children with long term health conditions? My daughter has barely left the house since lockdown because of her chronic disease. (And no, it's not mild asthma, much more serious than that)

How do you propose protecting children like her? I can think of at least a dozen children at my own school who also have serious health conditions. How do propose protecting these children?*

Do you really think a cloth fact covering will make that much difference? If so, I fear you’re seriously over estimating them.

Imo a lot of parents are being quite selfish.
Imagine the boot on the other foot
A flu pandemic hitting elderly and young kids.
The teachers 20-68 are fine why should they wear masks? They might soread it to the kids and their families so younger siblings. Oh not to worry they need an education. Lets fine them too if they dont go in.
The teachers then dont want to do online lessons as it's extra work.
The gov needs the workers at work so wants parents sending kids in.....

Interestingly the school outbreaks were growing weekly even as community cases were still dropping asi guess presumably more cases popped up (maybe in other classes or schools related to the other ones).
Even if kids were 50% say less likely to pass it on
They have such big schools
Classes
Clubs
Friendships

The average officeworker
Food/other shop -masks
Office with SD and cleaners own desk probably
Adults who know if they feel unwell
PT - masks
Pubs

Imagine if your child had cancer or CF or asthma or if you lived with your 70yo parent or a T1 diabetic.
Do you still think schools are safe?
Even 'if' kids couldnt transmit it it could be all over them (clothes/shoes/bottle/lunch box/bag/coat/school notes)

There willbe a period of time where someone feels off and has maybe a sore throat (not a key symptom) then starts getting a tickle but is it a cough. That could be a day before it gets serious enough to be a new cough.
Kids dont always notice a temp. And young ones wont understand anyway as would not usually have to tell someone they have a temp.
Just in our 2 form entry i know of 2 shielding families and one where a dc had cancer and another where dc has kidney issues (after a virus).

When i was at school pur teacher died and the whole school still remembers the day (she was only around 40) of a brain haemorrhage) and my 12yo friend died too. My other friend was on AD by 18.
Now imagine an ex-shielded teenager they know there is still a danger that would possibly be quite frightening.

They are very unpleasant. Yes certain occupations wear them but you choose to be a dr or whatever. I cannot tolerate them either. I've worn one today for the shop (10 mins) and transport (30 mins) and my ears hurt, my face tingles and I couldn't see because my glasses steam. Far better to strictly track and trace, all students have a test in late August

Where are people getting that children aren't affected by covid? There isnt the same amount of hospitalisations from it, but look up florida where child cases are on the rise. I've worn a mask for over half an hour and started to feel tetchy, the thought of a very young child wearing one for hours- I cant even imagine it

Iminaglasscaseofemotion
What shit have I given out?

Stating what posters are and betting oit completely wrong.

I have an opinion, but I forgot, some people think your not allowed to have an opinion that differs from theirs on here. No matter how many people disagree with me, no matter if they do make mask mandatory in schools, I still don't have to agree with it.

You can have whatever opinion that you like. and I can base my opinion of you on what you post.

That is how it works.

getting it, not "betting oit"

You can have whatever opinion that you like. and I can base my opinion of you on what you post.

And I have an opinion of you based on what you post. You disagreeing with my opinion doesn't give you the right to tell you I'm talking shit. That's not how it works.

Stating what posters are and betting oit completely wrong.

Not completely wrong, just a bit off, but whatever makes you feel like you are "winning".

What strikes me about the replies on this thread is that some parents don’t have a lot faith in their child resilience.

Children are quite adaptable. They’ll have a grumble but generally are great at just getting on with stuff. I don’t think most of them will struggle with mask wearing.

Maybe I just have more belief in the capability of my kids to pull together and do something to help the whole school than some people do.

[quote runbummyrun]@CallmeAngelina harsh but fair .....

good luck for September ..... have you thought about a change of career?! [/quote]
Yet another pathetic response.

The poorly educated are out in force on this thread.

@Mistystar99

Only arseholes want kids to wear masks.

Only arseholes think teachers' safety doesn't matter.

I am very sceptical of the veracity of the poster who said that s/he had Year 7 asking for masks to be made compulsory because 'some parents say nasty things about people wearing masks'.
The Telegraph is reporting today that if schools ignore government instructions and insist on masks, those schools will face legal action. So schools should now have done defence against the absurd union demands.

I can be exempt but it's not worth the aggro from the Sheeple going along with what is essentially bollocks at this point.
Same here for the post office, but definitely not for teaching and if my school were to impose it (tho with a clear thinking and compassionate SLT I think it extremely unlikely) then I would resign rather than seeing education and well being of children unnecessarily and cruelly damaged.

It's depressing how little some parents care for the safety of teachers and vulnerable children.

absurd union demands.

Or rather the Royal Society report recommendations?

You know, when it’s what the boffins are suggesting is needed to keep schools open and less disruption to education, you just look a bit dim when you keep bleating your catchphrase.

In an ideal world we should split the school between mask wearers and non mask wearers. I've said the same about shops.

I don't want my kids hanging around inside with people without masks. It'll be a mess by October half term if the majority don't wear them. The disadvantaged kids will be shafted yet again.

Teachers insisting on masks, I hope none of you have hearing impaired children in your class. How are you going to ensure they are able to fully access the curriculum?

You’ve answered your own question Neon
Visors.

@DomDoesWotHeWants I'd rather have common sense and resilience which has got me further in this world than the pathetic sheeple following ridiculous unions because they can't think for themselves.

I don’t know what the answer is - but I think schools will open in sept and by October everything will change.

in order to meet the guidance - we will be limiting breaks also so students will get one 40 min break a day. I will be teaching potentially 150 different children each day, in classrooms with no social distancing and where the windows open an inch or two - and the doors all open onto communal corridors.

My school is fantastic and has done everything to try and meet the guidance and keep staff and pupils safe - but the reality is they can’t as it’s just not workable.

I think masks would be a better option than another year of disruption and closures. As a secondary teacher I know the problems it raises but actually what is the alternative. Yes they are stuffy and hot and annoying, but this is a virus that probably is airborne and is killing people. We have to find a way forward that is safe.

My partner is a nurse and wears a mask all day.

I really think that by the end of sept there will be a big increase in cases and by Oct we may be doing blended learning / part time classes so we can socially distance.

sheeple

Do you also think that coronavirus is caused by 5G by any chance?

@runbummyrun

Sheeple? Is this the gammon forum?

In a series of daft posts that's the classic.

Sheeple.

Are you even listening to your self..

The Chinese wore masks before Covid 19.
Did that not fucking work or what?!

I'd rather have common sense and resilience which has got me further in this world than the pathetic sheeple following ridiculous unions because they can't think for themselves.

Ah, those ridiculous unions!
You said upthread:
I work from home when I want to and go in the office when I want to. I'd say around 10-30 people in the office on any given day. I also have to collect numerous documents (legal) from various other sites / locations, get them signed and then visit the post office to send them out.

So you don’t work with up to 150 others each day in a small, poorly ventilated room?

Come back and let us know what you think of the unions when you do.