Face masks for Secondary Pupils in classrooms

[FatPatty]

I can’t see this being reported anywhere but the Daily Fail are reporting masks to be worn in Secondary schools for first few weeks back.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9287275/Secondary-school-pupils-wear-face-masks-lessons-weeks-school-return-March-8.html

Sorry, I misread. I didn't notice it was you who was hearing impaired, not a child. That is really tricky!

It makes my subject very difficult though (performing arts). I have been wearing a mask except when addressing the whole class since October-ish anyway but the children haven't. They will get out of breath when dancing and singing and it will be much harder to be audible and expressive when acting. But it's a whole lot better than being on Teams so I'll take it! I do think it could be quite uncomfortable for them though.

My dd hates doing dance and drama via video link. I know what you mean about them getting out of breath when dancing, but dd would definitely prefer to wear a mask and be back in the classroom!

Alexa Yes, definitely the lesser of two evils, I think!

@52andblue, can you talk to the school about your concerns? See if there is anything that they can put into place to help?

Dreadful idea

Apart from the fact that masks have very little effect other than making the wearer feel safer of course ...

If you think it is worth it so that you can feel safer without actually being safer, fill your boots.

Could be the basis for some interesting science experiments though?

Kids have worn masks here since August last (Ireland) A child in DDs class has hearing difficulties and the teachers have the clear masks so she can still see lips. My DD is i school with 900 other girls and up to the break at Christmas only two cases amongst the girls and as they had isolated on symptoms no others were affected. I think for the moment the masks are common snese during lesson time

I wonder if wearing glasses will be considered an exception? Some days my glasses don't steam up when I wear a mask but they do on other days.

BBC are reporting that face masks will be mandatory for classrooms in Secondary schools

@Worldgonecrazy

Dreadful idea

Apart from the fact that masks have very little effect other than making the wearer feel safer of course ...

If you think it is worth it so that you can feel safer without actually being safer, fill your boots.

Could be the basis for some interesting science experiments though?

What are your suggestions for mitigating transmission in a class of 30 students?

How about hand washing, good hygiene, fresh air and time outdoors? Things that have been proven to actually reduce transmission of viruses 😀

@Worldgonecrazy

Dreadful idea

Apart from the fact that masks have very little effect other than making the wearer feel safer of course ...

If you think it is worth it so that you can feel safer without actually being safer, fill your boots.

Could be the basis for some interesting science experiments though?

It’s happening very successfully in many other countries across the globe.

You can obviously choose to home educate your children if you’d prefer though.

I wonder if wearing glasses will be considered an exception? Some days my glasses don't steam up when I wear a mask but they do on other days.

I don't think that is enough for an exemption, sorry. I wear specs, and yes, they do steam up with masks, but I clean them and it's fine. It isn't terribly convenient, but it isn't a major sacrifice either!

Finally, some common sense at last, months after other countries have adopted this.

Apart from the fact that masks have very little effect other than making the wearer feel safer of course ...

My understanding is that the scientific evidence is mixed. If there is even a chance that masks help, why wouldn't we wear them?

My kids can cope without glasses when walking down corridors but need glasses to see the board.

@RedGoldAndGreene

I wonder if wearing glasses will be considered an exception? Some days my glasses don't steam up when I wear a mask but they do on other days.

I hope not

This is good news. Am glad England seem to be realising they need to put some extra safety measures in place.

@Worldgonecrazy

How about hand washing, good hygiene, fresh air and time outdoors? Things that have been proven to actually reduce transmission of viruses 😀

Okaaaaay then. See now I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic, or if you've managed to miss a whole load of information circulating about covid since maybe mid-last year? Or are you suggesting that all lessons take place outside? Which I would support if schools had dvoigh space / canopies so that rain wouldn't be an issue?

@RedGoldAndGreene

My kids can cope without glasses when walking down corridors but need glasses to see the board.

Presumably they can keep the mask on and take the glasses off between board work and book work to wipe them, if they become particularly steamed up.

Or just make sure their mask is properly fitted.

@RedGoldAndGreene I am in Ireland and my secondary school DS wears glasses along with a mask. He hasn't had any problems. I buy him the light cloth masks which he finds more comfortable. Probably not as protective as the heavier ones though.

There are 600+ in his school and there wasn't one case of Covid from Sept to Dec. They haven't been in since and it's looking like they won't be back before Easter.

@RedGoldAndGreene

My kids can cope without glasses when walking down corridors but need glasses to see the board.

I am a glasses wearer and have to wear a face mask for most of the day. Try washing the glasses in washing up glasses on the morning before going to school. That does the trick for me and helps me keep steam free all day.

Sorry that should be washing up liquid - not glasses.

So my 11 year old will have to wear a mask for 9 hours each day pretty much non stop? Sounds hideous to me as I get very short of breath in one. There is no evidence that they even work for the wearer or others in the room

My daughter who's in year 7 wore a mask the whole time she was at school, I thought they all were already?