The Education Ministry has said wearing masks is no longer compulsory when attending school. The ministry made the announcement following the Health Protection Agency (HPA)'s decision to lift the mask mandate after the State of Public Health Emergency was lifted on Sunday.
The Education Ministry said although wearing masks is not compulsory, parents may send their children to school in masks. It is advisable for high-risk students to wear masks, the ministry said.
Schools will continue to monitor students' temperature at the entrance and maintain hand washing practices.
Despite the changes to HPA guidelines, mask wearing is still mandatory in specific settings, like hospitals and health centers. Mask wearing is also compulsory if the COVID-19 positivity rate increases above 20 percent in any island.
HPA said it is also advisable to wear masks in risky situations like large gathering.
