Since January 3, the mask is compulsory from 6 years old in certain public places and outside. At school, wearing a mask is compulsory indoors and outdoors, including in the playground.
Mask compulsory from 6 years old in certain public places
[Mise à jour du 3 janvier à 10h17]. Faced with the 5th wave of Covid, public authorities have decided to strengthen measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus and have adopted a new decree this December 31. Thus, since January 3, children over 6 years old must now wear the mask in public transport, establishments open to the public, sports complexes (except when practicing a sport), places of worship and outside, in areas where prefects and mayors have restored the port of mask. On the other hand, children and adolescents do not have to wear the mask if they practice activities such as singing or drama during extracurricular activities specified a old decree.
In primary schools, the health protocol has been level 3 since December 9, which means that students must wear the mask inside and outside just like the staff. In middle and high schools, the health protocol remains level 2 but students in areas where wearing a mask is mandatory outside must wear it again in the playground. Finally, since January 3, physical and sporting activities must especially take place outdoors. When sports activities take place indoors, “only low-intensity activities compatible with wearing a mask and a distance of 2 meters are authorized“ specifies the health protocol at school.
Who should wear the mask at school?
According to the level 3 health protocol, Wearing a mask is compulsory for elementary school pupils inside and outside. The health protocol remains at level 2 in middle and high schools where only the wearing of a mask inside is required. let’s remember that wearing a mask is prohibited in kindergarten, and this regardless of the level of health protocol at school.
Where should students wear masks at school?
At level 3, the mask is compulsory indoors and outdoors, at recess or in PE lessons for example. At level 2, wearing a mask remains compulsory, only in middle and high school, in confined spaces.
Wearing a mask according to the protocol levels at school
- At level 1, wearing a mask is compulsory for middle and high school students in confined spaces and “the rules relating to the wearing of a mask outdoors in the general population are respected”. Thus, elementary school students no longer have to wear it. This level applies in departments where the incidence rate is less than 50 for 5 consecutive days.
- At level 2, the mask is compulsory for high school and college students, but also for indoor primary school students.
- At levels 3 and 4, it is compulsory for all students in enclosed and outdoor spaces.
- National education personnel must wear the mask in confined spaces on levels 1 and 2 and also outside on levels 3 and 4.
- Remember that kindergarten students, whatever the level, do not wear masks.
Which mask to choose at school?
Only surgical masks or masks for the general public with a filtration capacity greater than 90% (category 1) may be worn. Therefore, Category 2 fabric masks for the general public, cloth masks homemade or handcrafted that does not meet AFNOR SPEC S76 001 standards as well as transparent plastic visors and masks worn alone are not considered sufficiently effective protective measures, warns the Ministry of Education. Recall that a decree concerning industrial fabric masks was published in the Official Journal on January 27 following health recommendations. In the Figaro, Jean-Michel Blanquer also clarified that he was unfavorable to wearing the FFP2 mask at school. The Minister of Education considers that it is “very difficult to teach” with this type of mask and calls on teachers to “the spirit of responsibility”, by respecting “barrier gestures”.
At what age is the mask compulsory at school?
Primary school students, from 6 years old, must wear a mask at school, following the strengthening of the health protocol (level 3).
Is the mask compulsory from 6 years old or at CP?
Generally, since students are 6 years old in CP class, the government has specified that the mask becomes compulsory from this age, instead of 11 years previously. However, a 6-year-old child who would be enrolled in the main kindergarten section is not required to wear a mask, since he would be the only one in his class to wear it. In the same way, a 5-year-old child enrolled in CP will have to wear a mask, like his classmates.
Mask at 6 years old: should my child wear it outside of school?
Do the little ones also have to wear the mask obligatorily outside of school? The answer has been yes since January 3 in public transport, establishments open to the public, sports complexes (except when practicing a sport), places of worship and outside, in areas where the prefects and the mayors have reinstated the wearing of masks.
Are students with allergies exempt from wearing a mask?
The mask is compulsory at school from the first grade, but can a child with allergies get a waiver? The answer is no, indicates the Ministry of National Education on its site. According to health authorities, “there are no documented dermatological, pneumological, ENT and phoniatric or psychiatric contraindications to wearing a mask whatever its type (mask for medical use, reusable cloth mask for the general public) “
In contrast, pupils with disabilities are covered by the general exemption from wearing a mask, set in article 2 of the decree of October 29, 2020, specifies the government. “In the certificate that he draws up, the doctor decides, in compliance with medical confidentiality and without having to indicate its nature, on the existence of a situation of handicap justifying that the obligation to wear it is waived. of the mask, in accordance with the provisions of the decree of October 29, 2020 “.
Can a pupil without a mask be refused at school?
Children who arrive at school without a mask may be refused, with some exceptions. A student may not wear one “if he medically justifies that he is in a situation which allows a derogation”, especially if they have a disability. Apart from this exceptional situation, “In the event that a pupil does not wear a mask on arrival at the school, it is however advisable to offer him one. It is only in the event of an explicit refusal to wear the proposed mask, that this refusal , either formulated by the pupil himself or by his legal representatives, that access to the establishment must be prohibited to the pupil “, and its legal representatives will have to be called to pick it up, specifies the National Education. While waiting for them, the child will be able to return to the establishment but being isolated from the other pupils.