Use of face masks made compulsory as Maldives prepares to reopen schools

Minister of Education, Dr. Aishath Ali has revealed that face masks “will be a part of school uniforms” once schools reopen in July.

Joining the nightly press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) on Monday, the minister noted that as the government prepares to open schools under the new normal from July 1 onwards, wearing face masks will be compulsory for students, teachers as well as parents to wear face masks when entering school premises.

The ministry has urged the use of two different types of face masks: surgical face masks and cloth masks.

Students are urged to wear cloth masks that have three layers and the ministry is to collaborate with schools to ensure these protocols are well followed through.

This comes at a time the World Health Organization (WHO) has also urged the regular use of face masks, due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

During the presser, minister Aishath also revealed that schools are set to reopened in Covid-free islands from July 1 onwards, under three phases.

Almost three months have passed since Maldives closed schools due to Covid-19 fears.