secondary school students will be asked to wear masks on school buses, but wearing them in classes will be optional
abacus120 wrote: » I think even for kids from 13 would find it very difficult,my daughter is 15 and will find it hard
jimmytwotimes 2013 wrote: » If that's the plan, it's barely that and very disappointing. They couldn't even stretch to compulsory masks for 2nd level. The unions will rightly oppose I assume and will be pilloried for doing the right thing. Shudnt have expected anything else
lulublue22 wrote: » My teenager is asthmatic and struggles with masks yet she still wears one when required. I admit a mask all day in school will be a huge challenge ( for her) But we all have to play our part unless medically unable to do so. Teenagers without health conditions should be well able to get on with it.
khalessi wrote: » Yup I am expecting the teachers are stopping reopening argument pretty soon
Icyseanfitz wrote: » As much as I am 100% in the "if we are back to school we all have to wear masks" Camp, kids will find it impossible. Even adult friends I have working in other sectors hate them. In post primary I can't see students abiding by wearing masks at all times
Icyseanfitz wrote: » With a lot of our teenagers it will become 50% teaching, 50% telling them to put their masks back on
wirelessdude01 wrote: » I assume that the articles are already typed and ready to be uploaded. Ciara Kelly will already have her 'contributers' ready.
Mr Varadkar also said he had "every confidence" that teachers will rise to the challenge and make sure schools are open at the beginning of the new school year.
seamus wrote: » They are effective at reducing spread for the first hour or two, after which their effectiveness reduces quite seriously.
seamus wrote: » Especially when we already know the covid risk for kids to be very low.
seamus wrote: » The effectiveness of masks diminishes with time anyway. They are effective at reducing spread for the first hour or two, after which their effectiveness reduces quite seriously. ..... So unless the guidance will include a requirement for kids to bring 3 masks to school with them every day and change them regularly, and have them washed and ready to go the next day, then wearing a mask in the classroom is of little use. Especially when we already know the covid risk for kids to be very low.
lulublue22 wrote: » Thats where the discipline policy comes in and behaviour around covid 19 especially in secondary school should be part of a discipline policy. Students and patents need to be aware that there is a level of behaviour around covid that is non negotiable.
seamus wrote: » The effectiveness of masks diminishes with time anyway. They are effective at reducing spread for the first hour or two, after which their effectiveness reduces quite seriously. Thus it makes little sense to require masks when kids will spend 4+ hours together, but perfect sense to don the masks on busses and when leaving the classroom. So unless the guidance will include a requirement for kids to bring 3 masks to school with them every day and change them regularly, and have them washed and ready to go the next day, then wearing a mask in the classroom is of little use. Especially when we already know the covid risk for kids to be very low.
Icyseanfitz wrote: » Yes wearing of masks should have consequences for students that will not engage with it, but the reality is that there will always be the few who continue to push the boundaries of whatever rules are in school. Can these students be sent home? Will their parents even answer the phone. It's a problem, and a major one as it has health ramifications.
Boggles wrote: » Sorry what?
wirelessdude01 wrote: » What about all the adults that work in the schools?
seamus wrote: » Yes. There are two effects here. One is that masks only reduce the particulate in the air, they do not remove it. Thus after wearing a mask for a certain amount of time in a room, the air becomes as particulate-dense as if you hadn't worn one at all. The second effect is that as you continuously breathe into the mask, it becomes more and more saturated. After a while, it reaches a point that it's basically useless. Around 2 hours is the typical point, but there is some limited benefit up to 4.https://www.ijic.info/article/download/10788/7862/ If you want masks worn in classrooms, then you need everyone to change their masks every 2 hours (at least), otherwise it's absolutely pointless.
seamus wrote: » The risk to the teachers from the kids is also very low. Provided the teachers do not mix with other teachers, there is little to be concerned about. People working in offices and restaurants practicing SD are at far higher risk than a teacher in classroom.
jimmytwotimes 2013 wrote: » The same as happens when a student breaks other rules within a school. They can be disciplined, suspended, sent home, parents can be called in etc. They'll wear masks if they have to, but they have to be told they're compulsory otherwise it's a free-for-all.
Icyseanfitz wrote: » I mean there is probably very little disciplinary measures that will work this year, group detention is probably out of the question, not being able to play sports etc won't matter as they might not even be happening this year. This year is sure going to be interesting if nothing else, it's a mine field of problems when it's looked at closely.
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