Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Health spokesperson
The Friends’ School’s decision to recommend students wear masks is sensible, given the current surge in Covid Australia-wide, including Tasmania.
It’s common knowledge Covid infection comes in waves, so it’s reasonable to put mitigation measures in place in schools.
It should not be left to private schools, however, to lead the way.
There are more than 60,000 public students in Tasmania. Education Minister, Roger Jaensch should be protecting those young people from infection and reinfection, and wider community spread, by mandating masks in public schools.
Covid is an airborne virus, and masks are the best - and easiest – mitigation measure. It’s a simple government choice – they either want to protect children and the community, or they don’t.