Clare woman vows to continue anti-mask protest at school

A CLARE mother has vowed to continue protesting against the introduction of masks for primary school children from Third to Sixth Class to curb the spread of Covid-19, writes Dan Danaher.

Bernadette Kawara regularly stages a solo protest near the car park for Knockanean Primary School, which is located on the outskirts of Ennis.

Speaking to The Clare Champion, Ms Kawara said she has been joined on occasions during her demonstration by another parent who is also concerned about this public health measure.

She believes young children should not be forced to wear a mask as it reduces the supply of oxygen to their brains, which is vital for learning.

She claims there was no proper risk assessment on the impact of wearing masks for young children and alleges there was a lack of media coverage about similar protests throughout the country.

“Children need oxygen to learn. Wearing a masks reduces the supply of oxygen to the brain. I think education for children is very important.”

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has recommended the wearing of face masks/coverings by children aged nine years and above on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as already required for children aged 13 years and over.

NPHET have also recommended that this is introduced for children in Third class and above in primary schools. They have advised that this measure is being introduced on a temporary basis and is subject to review in mid-February 2022.

According to guidance published by the Department of Education, face masks/coverings act as a barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from travelling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the face mask/covering coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice.

Face masks/coverings are therefore intended to prevent transmission of the virus from the wearer who may not know that they are infected to those with whom they come into close
contact.