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Original poster

Facemasks when on school premises -outside

91 replies

tinseloatcake · 26/05/2021 22:53

I'm interested in whether schools are generally still expecting parents to do this, or indeed whether schools who have requested this have put an end date - proposed or confirmed.

I'm pretty naffed off with this as an approach. I am happy to wear a face mask when interacting with teachers or in the busy walk through bit for the reception drop off, but I am less than happy to wear a facemask for the 20 mins I am standing outside on my waiting for the bonkers staggered entry for my older children

We had a letter from the director of public health today via the school with latest news and it referenced only wearing facemasks indoors when moving about or in conjested areas. So I politely asked the school when they might review the policy and asked if they could make it more proportionate.

I got a flat no, and September at the earliest for a review. No further explanation.

Is this in the realms of normal?

OP posts:
TruelyStruttingHotpants · 26/05/2021 23:41

We have had the whole year six off and a year two class in the last couple of weeks. So our school has got really strict about parents wearing masks again. Previous about half the parents had stopped wearing them. Our school accounted for a quarter of all positive cases in the borough last week.

Moonlaserbearwolf · 26/05/2021 23:43

From May 17th our primary school dropped the need for parents and staff to wear masks outside at pickup time. I thought that was standard, but obviously not given the responses on here.

bellamountain · 26/05/2021 23:53

It does make me laugh bearing in mind sports leagues up and down the country have started back from netball to football (and that's adult leagues) with players breathing all over one another but a parent in a school playground, who generally doesn't get that close to another parent, has to mask up. Would be interesting to see the stats on outside transmission.

WineByTheSea · 27/05/2021 00:18

We have recently moved and it’s really hard to interact with people with a mask on, it is so much harder to make eye contact and smile, start a connection that way. I have been happy to wear a mask, but I do think it’s enough now, especially outside. I also struggle to hear people and have conversations with staff in shops and things so I’m looking forward to seeing the back of them! I get they have had their place but I will stop wearing mine as soon as the rules are relaxed tbh.

WineByTheSea · 27/05/2021 00:19

To clarify, I am hoping to make some friends in the area and the school run would be the ideal place to do so but the masks are a real barrier IMO.

Dementedswan · 27/05/2021 00:22

Our primary school enforced face masks from September. The first in the area... Guess what... no bubbles popped.

SilenceIsNotAvailable · 27/05/2021 01:25

The risk of catching Covid outside is extremely low. So yeah, it's a silly policy.

Topseyt · 27/05/2021 02:45

It is such a ridiculous rule that I wouldn't comply.

If I were going into the school then of course I would wear a mask, but not outside.

avamiah · 27/05/2021 03:30

Let’s be honest here, nobody has to wear a mask/face covering outside.
Never mind what is Legal?
This is common sense.

TolpuddleFarter · 27/05/2021 03:59

I am surprised at the responses you are getting here.

SAGE have even stated that transmission outdoors is extremely low.

If bubbles are bursting in schools, it isn't because a parent had a five minute chat in the playground without a mask on Hmm.

I'm beginning to think people are enjoying the pantomime of all this.

jgw1 · 27/05/2021 05:13

@bellamountain

It does make me laugh bearing in mind sports leagues up and down the country have started back from netball to football (and that's adult leagues) with players breathing all over one another but a parent in a school playground, who generally doesn't get that close to another parent, has to mask up. Would be interesting to see the stats on outside transmission.
There aren't any stats on outside transmission, principally because it is so rare that it is almost zero.
picturesandpickles · 27/05/2021 05:23

I agree outdoor transmission risk is very low compared with inside. Where it happens it appears to involve f2f conversation.

However, I think wearing masks in places where people are gathered is an acceptable measure, if being cautious. The school is just being cautious.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 27/05/2021 05:33

I've stopped doing it. I'm not friends with any of the parents so I don't get close chatting to them, I stand on my own. I don't feel it's necessary outside.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 27/05/2021 05:36

Bubbles popping is probably more to do with the fact that the kids don't distance from each other.

picturesandpickles · 27/05/2021 05:38

@Waxonwaxoff0

Bubbles popping is probably more to do with the fact that the kids don't distance from each other.
Well yes, undoubtedly.
smaragda · 27/05/2021 05:59

Here in Cyprus masks are still mandatory,inside, outside-basically anywhere except for your own home. Temperatures are sitting on 30 degrees. It is what it is-we are in a pandemic and we all just have to suck it up!

AuntieStella · 27/05/2021 06:19

Grouos of parents standing around is riskier than passing people briefly on way to/fro (from actual journey or from remote off site waiting place)

The school is being sensible

Yes, interactions between pupils might be the main route of transmissions, but that's no reason to facilitate others.

It's community minded thing to do (mask primarily protects others) and it is for the school to set community standards on its premises. And I would say it's OK to extend that to include all school related gatherings (including what parents do on the pavement outside, in the interests of neighbourliness)

Spekoppar · 27/05/2021 06:24

We’re still wearing them and I’m happy to do so. The school have said that they don’t expect the various measures they have in place to change until September at the earliest.
It’s really no big deal to wear one and I think the school have far more pressing matters to deal with than parents who want to argue the toss on such a minor inconvenience.

byvirtue · 27/05/2021 06:35

Stop wearing one. Masks outside are ridiculously OTT.

BonnieDundee · 27/05/2021 06:38

I am surprised at the responses you are getting here.

SAGE have even stated that transmission outdoors is extremely low.

If bubbles are bursting in schools, it isn't because a parent had a five minute chat in the playground without a mask on.

I'm beginning to think people are enjoying the pantomime of all this.

Agree

AlmostSummer21 · 27/05/2021 06:46

@byvirtue

Stop wearing one. Masks outside are ridiculously OTT.
Not when people aren't socially distancing they're not.
Suzi888 · 27/05/2021 06:49

Yes, we’ve been told maintain 2m distance, don’t talk to each-other and wear a mask. I feel it’s overkill!

autumnboys · 27/05/2021 06:50

Our school has staggered starts and finishes but exceptions for sibling groups who are dropped off and picked up at the same time so that parents aren’t waiting around as you are. Might they consider that?

Uptheduffy · 27/05/2021 06:51

People come right up into your face at dc's school. There isn't enough room where we wait for 2m distancing even if folk didn't want to chat.

justanotherneighinparadise · 27/05/2021 06:52

We aren’t allowed to go onto school premises at all and have to wear masks while waiting outside. I’ve got used to it so I don’t care now but some people have stopped doing it and the school don’t force them to comply.

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