The Victorian Education Department has responded to the Health Department’s advice on masks by setting an “expectation” that masks be worn schools until the end of winter.
All students aged eight and above, and all staff will be expected to wear masks in class “through to the end of winter,” except where the removal of a mask is necessary for communication or an activity requiring their removal.
It comes in response to the Health Department’s strong recommendation that masks be worn in indoor settings, as Covid-19 numbers continue to climb.
Victoria recorded 12,201 new cases 25 deaths on Tuesday 19 July, the highest number of new cases recorded in a day since 19 May.
Deputy Secretary of Schools and Regional Services David Howes said on Monday 18 July that mask wearing in schools will be a “consistent expectation across all schools in Victoria.”
“Schools are not required or expected to sanction students or staff who do not meet this expectation, but are asked to communicate this expectation to the whole school community and seek their support for this collective effort,” Mr Howes said.
“Wearing masks is a simple step we can all take this winter to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases and ensure our schools are as safe as possible.”
In a letter written to parents and carers of government, catholic and Independent school students across the state, signed by each of the three school sectors, Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) said this action will help to ensure as many students and staff as possible are protected from Covid-19 and other illnesses over winter.
Removing masks is acceptable if considered necessary for “clear communication.”
“The Victorian Department of Health strongly recommends that face masks are worn in indoor settings,” the letter said.
“Students won’t be required or expected to wear masks when outdoors, and this expectation won’t stop student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.
“We also ask that you make sure your child (or children) takes a mask to school (and wears it if they are travelling on public transport) or collects a mask when they arrive at school.
“We are asking for your support in explaining to your child or children the importance of this simple step that will help keep our schools as safe as possible.”
Education minister Natalie Hutchins said the recommendation did not signal a change in policy from the Education Department.
“We’ve done the work to make schools as safe as possible, with an air purifier in every single classroom, more than 99 per cent of teachers triple-vaccinated and a strong recommendation for masks, we’re making schools as safe as they can be in the midst of a pandemic and a nasty flu season,” Ms Hutchins said.
“We know masks provide good protection against the transmission of Covid-19, so, while they’re not mandated, we’re strongly recommending all staff and students aged eight and over wear them indoors at school.”
Opposition leader Matthew Guy described the recommendation as “mandate on kids by stealth.”
“If you want to have a mask mandate, at least have the courage to go out and say it,” Mr Guy said on Tuesday 19 July.
“The government’s total approach on Covid-19, it’s just total confusion.
“One minute they say there are no mandates and the next minute they are advising kids to wear masks.
“What is it? Just tell us.”
