Education Officials Issue Updated Guidance on Mask-Wearing in Schools

The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Department of Education Services (DES) advise that effective Monday, 20 September 2021, all students and staff in Government schools, over the age of five, are expected to wear masks while riding the bus, moving through the school compound, while indoors, and while in a group setting.

When playing outdoors, eating, or working independently at their desk, masks may be removed.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Department of Education Services (DES) advises that the guidance on mask-wearing  applies to students over the age of five. Students who are unable to put on and take off masks without assistance are exempt, as are teachers who rely on mouth cues such as lip reading for communication with students; distancing should be maintained.

The MoE and the DES will continue to work with Public Health to further fine-tune this guidance where necessary and provide the relevant updates