2021-12-01 16:09:42
Tracey O'Mohoney's letter template if anyone needs it
SUBECT: Mandatory Face Masks for Primary School Children
Dear
___,
I am writing to express my concern at the recent suggestion from Dr Ronan Glynn of NPHET, that they were considering making face masks mandatory for primary school children, and that they have the backing of INTO for such a mandate (https://m.independent.ie/news/nphet-to-consider-wearing-of-masks-for-primary-school-children-40146449.html).
The Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response (13 August 2020) drew on expert advice from Professor Carl Heneghan, Director of the Centre for Evidence-based Medicine at the University of Oxford.
Professor Heneghan noted that cloth masks 'may actually increase the risk of infection' and explained the shortcomings of mandated policies based on observational data as opposed to scientific evidence. https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debateRecord/special_committee_on_covid-19_response/2020-08-13/debate/mul@/main.pdf page 101-103
I am requesting the following information from your ministerial office and also the Department of Education at your earliest convenience.
• The risk assessment by which this policy is being considered?
• The evidence basis for successful mask use to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among the age group 5-12
• What protocols are being put in place to ensure that understood risks associated with cloth mask-wearing are averted in our schools?
• Given the increased risk of infection and contagion from incorrect mask usage of all kinds, what protocols are you ensuring are put in place to ensure correct mask usage is appropriately observed and overseen in the age group 5-12? (HSE: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html)
• What consideration has been given to the potential psychological impacts of mask-wearing in school settings?
• In the event that a child becomes seriously ill as a result of mask contagion, who is liable?
I would like to make it very clear, at no stage will I ever consent to my child being masked in order to avail of their constitutional right to an education.
I look forward to hearing back from you on these matters.
Sincerely,
9.1K views13:09
W
