Club 3-16 Still Getting Kids Wearing Masks Despite Chris Fearne’s Promise on April 13
Earlier this month, Health Minister Chris Fearne promised that children would no longer need to wear school masks from 13 April, the latest move in Malta’s strategy to reduce of COVID-19 restrictions.
However, a week has passed since that date and mask restrictions have yet to be officially lifted in schools.
This is causing problems for those attending Club 3-16, the national after-school care program that is offering their services to working parents over the Easter holidays.
Lovin Malta saw an email sent by the Foundation for Educational Services, which runs Club 3-16, to a parent, confirming that wearing a mask is still mandatory.
“The EFF has decided until further notice that children and staff should wear face masks in accordance with the current legal notice dated 14 March 2022 (Version 5),” the email reads.
“If you still want your children not to wear masks at Club 3-16, you are slowly being asked to pick up your children from the Club.”
The legal notice of 14 March completely abolished the previous obligations to wear masks in public spaces but kept them for indoor venues, including schools.
In a separate email, EFF Chief Executive Michael Bondin said that while the date for the end of compulsory school masks was indeed set for April 13, the legal notice has not yet been entered into the force.
“I can kindly ask you to carry with us a few more days until there are clear guidelines,” he said.
“Once the guidelines are in place, I will be informing the centers on how to proceed. In the meantime, I am in touch with the health authorities for any developments on the matter. “
Lovin Malta is informed that the health authorities intend to publish the new guidelines in time for the new school year, after which the masks will remain recommended but no longer mandatory.
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