School union believes Norwegian teachers must be allowed to independently decide on the use of face masks

Teacher - face maskPhoto: Sebastian Gollnow / DPA / NTB

The National Association of Schools believes that the authorities’ recommendation that doesn’t recommend face masks at schools is outdated.

“More and more teachers feel scared, and want to use face masks during teaching… They must be allowed to do so,” acting union leader Terje Moen said.

As of today, both the National Institute of Public Health (FHI) and the Directorate of Education (Udir) recommend that no face masks are used in schools. 

This applies to both pupils and employees in primary school, secondary school, and upper secondary school. 

“Tired and scared”

The same applies to children and employees in kindergartens.

“More and more of our members report that they are tired and scared,” Moen added.

The National Association demands that teachers be granted the trust to decide on the use of face masks themselves, based on how they perceive their workplace situation.

“National authorities must get this in place in the guidelines on infection control,” Terje Moen concluded.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today

1 Comment on "School union believes Norwegian teachers must be allowed to independently decide on the use of face masks"

  1. So the teachers’ union is finally standing up for its members? (Unions certainly are tame/intimidated in Norway.)

    I gave my 2 kids (and their teacher mom) 5 “disposable” facemasks each, numbered 1-5 for school days. It has been found that the virus dies after 3 days on absorbent surfaces like paper or cotton, so re-using them on a weekly cycle seems logical.

    “Can you reuse a disposable mask? Yes, if you follow these steps, by Kerry Breen,
    July 14, 2020

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing face coverings to slow the spread of coronavirus, but for those who wear disposable masks, there’s a frequent question: Can disposable masks like N95 and surgical masks be re-worn?

    In short? Yes, but only if you take care of them correctly.

    “Number one: Don’t touch your mask,” said Dr. Lucian Davis, an epidemiologist at the Yale School of Public Health who studies respiratory infections and noted that touching the mask could transfer virus particles onto the surface. “If you do touch your mask, wash [your hands] with soap and water or with alcohol for sure. If you need ….”

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