NPHET has recommended the wearing of face masks/coverings by children aged nine years and
above on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as already required for children
aged 13 years and over. They have also recommended that this is introduced for children in 3rd
class and above in primary schools. They have advised that this measure is being introduced on a
temporary basis and is subject to review in mid-February 2022.

Wearing a face covering or mask does not negate the need to stay at home if symptomatic.
Wearing of face masks/coverings
Pupils from third class and up in primary schools are required to wear a face mask/covering. The
exemptions to this are set out below.

Face masks/coverings
Face masks/coverings act as a barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from travelling into the air
and onto other people when the person wearing the face mask/covering coughs, sneezes, talks or
raises their voice. Face masks/coverings are therefore intended to prevent transmission of the virus
from the wearer (who may not know that they are infected) to those with whom they come into
close contact.
Face masks/coverings must not contain any slogans/logos/images that may cause upset or be
deemed offensive to any member of the school community.
Visors
Face masks/coverings are more effective than visors. In the limited circumstances where a face
mask/covering cannot be worn clear visors must be considered.

Exemptions
A medical certificate to certify that a person falls into a category listed below must be provided to
the school on behalf of, any person (pupil) who claims that they are covered by the exemptions
below:

•  any pupil with difficulty breathing or other relevant medical conditions
• any pupil who is unable to remove the cloth face-covering or visor without assistance
• any pupil who has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the
  cloth face covering or visor, for example pupils with intellectual or developmental
  disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory concerns or tactile sensitivity.

The Do’s & Donts of wearing a face mask

DO’S

• clean your hands properly when you put on and take off your face mask

• cover your mouth and nose and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask

• remove it from behind – do not touch the front of the mask

• carry unused face masks in a clean sealable bag such as a ziplock freezer bag, paper bag or cloth bag

• carry a second similar type bag to put used face masks in

DONT’S

• do not touch your face mask while wearing it – if you do, clean your hands properly

• do not use a wet or soiled face mask

• do not share face masks

• do not lower your face mask to speak, eat, smoke or vape

• do not throw away face masks in public places – you risk infecting others

• do not put single-use masks in a recycling bin – they cannot be recycled