Protest against mask mandates in school
Yesterday morning, 11th March, a group of protesters presented themselves in front of the Ministry of health in Valletta so as to protest against the mask mandates in schools.
Two of the organizers asked for a short meeting with the Minister of Health. The receptionist replied that since the Parliament has now been dissolved Mr. Fearne is no longer the Minister of Health. Due to this fact, the organizers asked to meet the person in charge at the moment but it transpired that no one knew!
Much to their disappointment, the organizers informed the protesters of the happening, however, it was then agreed and decided that speaking with a representative from the education department would also be an option since this mandate involved this sector too.
This time, the receptionist at the education department contacted the Secretary of the minister and asked whether the latter was able to meet the organisers of the protest.
Within few minutes, a meeting was held in the department ‘s board room whereas the organisers Mr. Falzon, Mr. Camilleri and Ms. Bonnici represented the protesters while the permanent secretary Mr.Vella and the Head of secretary of the minister acted on behalf of the Education department.
The organisers explained the urge of masks removal in schools as this is affecting most of the children negatively both psychologically and physically. The organisers also pointed out that certain schools are not even following the Public health guidelines issued in the beginning of the scholastic year. These schools are still forcing kindergarten pupils to wear the mask and even worse during physical activities despite the fact where guidelines clearly state that children under 5 years are exempted and masks are not to be worn during physical exercises. Mr. Vella assured the organisers that he will check with the relevant directors about this matter. With reference to the mask mandates, he stated that he was not in a position to make any changes as this falls entirely under the public health department jurisdiction.