Masks in the playground?

[FourHigh]

Has anyone else's primary school gone back to asking parents to wear masks in the playground? Taped up all the outdoor equipment to stop children playing on it? One way systems? I feel like this is unnecessary and not in keeping with the advice in the wider community. Just wondering of this is the norm again now or is my school just being ott?

Masks in playground. Outdoor play equipment still in use though - in fact my DDs class were out on it most of this week as half of them are off with Covid (including my DD) and they did a lot of outdoor learning this week in an attempt to keep them all healthy (I can see the playground from my house and obviously still getting all messages from school).

I think it's great they've asked for masks again - yes, it's outdoors, but there's a lot of congregating in groups.

Ours have done all of the above. I don't think it's needed at all. It's never-ending!

None of that at ours. I wouldn't wear a mask outdoors anyway, never have.

Ours have asked for masks again since an outbreak a month or so back

Masks in playground. None of the rest but parents not allowed in school so no parents in for nativity etc. DVD instead. Totally fine especially considering case numbers. I never stopped wearing mine anyway - easy enough thing to do so why not.

We’re wearing masks in the playground, nothing else.

Ours have always had masks in the playground (well, since they first came into use obviously)

Masks in playground at my son's infant school. Not that 3/4 parents are bothering this time.

Not where I am no

We never stopped in Scotland.

Masks in playground and the school office is closed to visitors so you have to email or call.

Masks in playground yes. Rubbish to hear about play equipment being taped off though - it's an airborne virus and kids need (not want, need) to climb and play. That hasn't happened here.

Why are they taping up equipment? They can’t be at more risk playing outside on play equipment than being inside a classroom together or using the toilets etc, surely?

Masks for adults and one way system throughout for us. Outdoor play equipment still in use though, seems totally bizarre to tape it off when they're all in class together all day..?

In Scotland. Have been using them for months now, have forgotten what it's like not to wear a mask.

I don't understand why masks are needed outside.

Play equipment still in use.

DfE guidance is that masks are not necessary outdoors, but should be worn in communal areas. This does not mean playgrounds outdoors, unless in an area where DsPH have worked with schools in outbreak areas. Schools where masks in playgrounds are required are either in outbreak areas or very cautious.

@cansu

I don't understand why masks are needed outside.

We are asked to wear them in the school grounds.

@BingBongToTheMoon

We never stopped in Scotland.

Exactly.

Our school asked parents to wear masks in the playground this week but I'd say about 5% of parents wore them so not much the school can do unless they ban practically all parents from the grounds!

Masks outside are silly although in a confined space with a lot of people it might be wise.

But the outdoor equipment thing - we are nearly two years into the pandemic and people still think you can get it from a climbing frame? Sigh.

Our nursery head office have requested face coverings again at drop off and pick up, for both parents and staff. Everyone is merrily ignoring this however, as we all now realise it’s ridiculous for a two minute outdoor interaction.