The Government is "strongly" recommending schools review and "enforce" a mask-wearing policy as COVID-19 cases rise and children prepare to return to classes after the holidays.
According to an update released on the Ministry of Education's website on Thursday, associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti has written to school boards "outlining the Government’s strong recommendation to review and enforce a mask-wearing policy as much as practicable".
It said both the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education "strongly recommend" all schools amend their policies for the first four weeks of the upcoming term 3 "to require mask wearing in all indoors for students year 4 and above, where it will not have a significant impact on teaching and learning".
The advice is in line with what Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said on Tuesday.
"What we have seen is that schools that put in place very simple measures, particularly the use of masks, are the ones that have managed to reduce infection amongst staff and students," Dr Bloomfield told reporters.
"[We have] strongly recommended [schools]... consider asking all students and staff to use masks for that first four weeks and masks are being provided to support that. It is not compulsory but it is a strong recommendation."
Dr Bloomfield said the Ministry of Health was asked to examine whether masks should be required in schools again but landed on "strengthening our recommendation".
It's a shift from the previous language, such as that found under the 'orange' setting of the traffic light system that "face masks are encouraged when inside at school". The Government announced in June it had secured a supply of 10 million child-sized masks to distribute at the start of term 3, the equivalent of 50 masks for every child in years 4 to 7.
The Ministry of Education update acknowledges that "implementing mask policies can be a challenge", but mask-wearing policies should be strengthened as soon as possible "to protect your staff and students against the transmission of COVID-19 and other airborne respiratory viruses".
Schools are advised to deal with students failing to comply with school policy and who don't have exemptions "in the same way you might enforce sun hat and sunblock rules and uniform rules".
The education ministry said masks may not be practicable while eating and drinking, playing musical instruments, playing indoor sports and PE or doing musical or drama performances.
"In these situations, particular attention should be paid to ensuring good ventilation and physical distancing where practicable," the ministry said.
"This approach attempts to balance the benefits of mask-wearing with the primary purpose of school's education across curriculum areas and ensure students with particular learning needs that may be hindered by mask-wearing are considered."
Schools are recommended to communicate changes to families as soon as possible and told the education ministry will "advise whether it may be necessary to extend the mask policy beyond the first four weeks of term 3".
Last week, the Government pleaded with Kiwis to wear masks indoors, describing it as a critical measure to stop the spread of COVID-19.
"What we mean when we recommend mask-use is that you should do it," said COVID-19 Response Minister Ayesha Verrall.
Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker said he wanted to see masks mandated more indoors.
"If we carry on at this intensity we could be looking at 5000 deaths a year from COVID-19 - that's 15 times the road toll.
"We need to shift the norm to being a mask-using society to get us through winter and then reassess in a few months' time."
