Education Minister Justyne Caruana has said that “as soon as the health authorities inform us that there is no longer the need for students to wear masks in class, we will follow that directive.” 

“Although I understand that this measure can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for students, one must understand that these directives are to be followed in the national interest,” Caruana said. 

Asked by The Malta Independent on Wednesday whether the government will consider easing the measure which requires students to wear masks in the classroom and allow them to remove it at least whilst they are seated, Minister Caruana remarked that “unless the health authorities tell us otherwise, we must follow the directives.” 

Around two weeks, Minister Caruana announced that under the newly released protocols for the return to schools next week, students will continue to wear face masks in class, irrespective of whether they are vaccinated or not. 

Since then, a petition calling for primary students to be allowed to take off face masks while seated in class has been launched.