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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider What about classrooms? Salceda wants alternatives to masks for students

What about classrooms? Salceda wants alternatives to masks for students

Published Sep 6, 2022 02:12 pm

While the act of wearing a face mask is an effective way to prevent the spread of Covid-19, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda wants solutions for places where individuals might need to see behind the mask, specifically, classrooms.

A teacher in Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, Manila helps students sanitize their hands before going inside the classroom during the first day of classes on Aug. 22, 2022. (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)

“I would say masking is still a very cheap and non-disruptive way to prevent further infections. Besides, there are indications that it has also prevented non-Covid infections such as common flu. Where doable, masking should remain encouraged. But there are places where we need to see what's behind the mask,” the Albay solon said in a message to reporters on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

He pointed out that schools and educational institutions, specifically, may suffer because of indoor mask mandates.

“During face-to-face classes, masking will result in some losses to learning, especially to those with disabilities. For example, those the deaf will have trouble understanding lessons in masked classes,” Salceda said.

“Seeing facial expressions is also crucial for soft skills, such as emotional and communication skills. Children will find it difficult to learn these skills if they can't see what's behind the mask. Teachers also need to be able to teach social cues through facial expressions,” he added.

“We need to figure this out. Some have suggested clear masks, as are being used in some US classrooms. Singapore has taken the route of no masks in most public places, including classrooms. I will not begrudge Mandaue and Cebu for trying to get rid of masking at this point,” he said.

Salceda was referring to the lifting of the mandatory mask mandate throughout open spaces in Cebu City which Mayor Michael Rama signed last Aug. 31. The optional mask policy is effective from Sept. 1 until Dec. 1, 2022.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/31/mayor-face-masks-no-longer-mandatory-in-cebu-city/

https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/02/cebu-city-mayor-to-continue-imposing-non-obligatory-wearing-of-face-mask-dilg/

https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/05/cebu-city-mayor-optional-wearing-of-face-masks-temporary/

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