The Church schools have urged the government to reconsider the removal of masks in classrooms, saying the move came at a time when there are record numbers of sick students and staff.

The mandatory wearing of masks in schools stops on Wednesday.

“This decision, taken at a time when schools have been hardest hit by Covid-19, with record numbers of sick students and staff, is also expected to leave an impact on parents who will have to remain at home to take care of their children,” the Church schools said.

“Throughout discussions with Government on Covid-19 measures in schools, Church Schools always made it very clear that, while they are in favour of the eventual removal of face masks in classrooms, the use of masks has been an effective measure in controlling the pandemic in schools. Therefore, considering that students often spend up to six hours a day together in the same room, this should be the last measure to be withdrawn.”

They appealed to the government to reconsider this decision. They are also recommending that masks should be worn until the end of May.

If the decision to remove masks as of 13 April is retained, each school should be allowed to mandate their use independently, according to its own context and decision.

If the above two options are not considered, the government should mandate the removal of masks in schools only for outdoor areas such as grounds, playing fields and other open spaces, while retaining the mandatory use of masks in classrooms and other indoor spaces, they said.

“The decision to start removing the mandatory indoor use of masks in Malta by starting with schools risks damaging the positive process of the management of Covid-19 in schools which has been achieved so far between the health authorities and all educational stakeholders, thanks to good communication, mutual cooperation and goodwill.”