Source: Human Rights Commission
By Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero MNZM
As many parents relish the end of school holidays others are uneasy about having their children in a risky classroom environment.
At the start of the Omicron wave the pandemic masks became mandatory in many public situations as a way to slow and prevent the virus spreading. Under the red traffic light for managing our response to the pandemic, all students in Year 4 and above were required to wear masks inside. Now as we relax in our orange traffic light, masks in classrooms are strongly encouraged but not required.
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata, the Human Rights Commission’s recent Inquiry into the impact of Omicron found the disabled community had different views on masks. For some wearing a mask, and requiring others to wear them, gave necessary protection as well as great comfort. In contrast, others were unable to use masks or found them a source of discomfort, stress and anxiety. The exemption process rightfully allows for those who are unable to wear masks to not have to.
The fact that some are unable to wear masks makes it even more important for others to wear them to provide greater protection for all. I’m asking the Government to reconsider its position and make mask wearing mandatory for students. If not then, I’m asking schools to use the ability they have to make it so. That’s because mask wearing at schools helps reduce transmission.
Mask wearing is particularly vital at schools given there is still no vaccine for our under-fives and the majority of our five to eleven-year-olds are yet to receive their recommended two doses. While there are some moves to supply portable air cleaners to schools it will take time for this issue to be improved. Some are arguing that natural ventilation is best (opening the window a small amount); others are not confident that we can trust this approach without testing it with CO2 monitors in each classroom – and these are not available. Even having the window open a small amount is going to be very uncomfortable in some parts of the country in winter weather, especially for young children.
It’s not only children who are at increased risk of the virus and its long-term harms, but also teachers, whānau and the wider community. This is particularly the case for multi-generational households or where large gatherings are an aspect of faith or culture.
Mask wearing is a visible sign we are in a pandemic. It’s a reminder of all the important health protections that help to keep us safe such as social distancing, diligent hand washing, and getting our booster shots. The current setting means schools are having to individually assess the risk of the virus spreading in their community as well as managing opposition to any stance which requires masks to be worn.
Additional measures to increase the protection offered by mask wearing should include:
- providing free, appropriately sized respirator masks to students and staff
- supporting children who need to see faces to communicate
- strengthening other protections such as ventilation.
We also have a problem in Aotearoa New Zealand with school attendance. Our analysis of Ministry of Education data shows about 100,000 children are not learning either online or onsite. Some parents are not sending their children to school because of the risk of infection risk or lack of confidence in the protections provided. Putting measures in place to protect everyone might help to turn this around.
Over time it seems our thinking has shifted from collectively eradicating the virus to individually learning to live with it. Our Inquiry found that this shift, without adequate support for disabled people, causes stress and confusion and puts people at risk. Many countries, including our own, are wondering and worrying about the effect the pandemic has had on how we live together as a community. Encouragingly, overseas studies have shown that people are more likely to wear masks when they know how it can protect others – not just themselves. Schools are a microcosm of our communities.
Children in our schools have already shown they can go beyond their individual wants and needs to think about the needs of those around them. There is an opportunity for all schools to take a lead, as many already are, to require masks as they begin Term 2. This is an opportunity to not only recognise our rights but also our responsibilities
