Mask-wearing recommended for students

(Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash)

Victorian students, including those in Wyndham, have been encouraged to wear face masks in indoor school settings, the Department of Health announced last week.

A joint letter addressed to parents and carers said the Victorian Department of Education, Independent Schools Victoria and Catholic Education Commission of Victoria “strongly recommends” students aged eight and over wear a mask to school, and on public transport when travelling to school.

Wyndham resident Vanessa Chapman believes wearing a mask is a small price to pay to keep kids at school.

“We need to take all of the precautions we can so that the kids can remain in the classroom and not go back to remote learning,” she said.

“Kids need to be in the classroom for their mental wellbeing they need to be mixing with their peers because that is the ‘fun’ part of school, not just doing the work online at home.”

Ms Chapman said her son in Year 10 and is fine with wearing a mask for the peace of mind.

“It does make you feel that bit safer knowing you can’t be coughed or sneezed on…which in turn gives you that but of extra protection,” she said.

The letter said students will not need to wear a mask outdoors and can remove the mask when clearer communication is required.