Guidance published by D.E.S. of the wearing of face masks and other PPE in Primary schools. 7/8/2020

The D.E.S. have today published advice to primary schools on the wearing of face coverings in a primary school setting. Click on the image to read the document. The key points are as follows:

• Children in Primary Schools should not wear masks.
  
• Teachers and staff in primary schools should wear a face-covering when a physical distance of 2 meters from other staff or children cannot be maintained.
• In certain situations the use of clear visors should be considered, for example staff interacting with students with hearing difficulties or learning difficulties.
  
• The school should ensure that any P.P.E. requirements for staff, as required under the Roadmap, public health advice and COVID-19 Response Plan, is readily available for staff. 
• Schools should consider the specific circumstances where the use of medical face masks, to EU Standard EN 14683, may be more appropriate for staff.
  
• The Department will  provide posters to schools outlining signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and to support good hand and respiratory hygiene. 
• Funding has been provided for schools to install and use hand sanitisers for each classroom, specialist rooms and other key locations (entry/exit points, staff room etc.) in their school.
  

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