Guidance on infection prevention and control in school activities for autumn 2021

The aim of public health measures in schools remains to promote the safety and well-being of pupils, teachers and other staff, whilst also ensuring, as far as possible, a vibrant and diverse school life at all levels of education.

Infection response plans are in place in all schools. School operators and headteachers can take further infection control measures to suit local circumstances, such as further segregation of activities and increased use of face coverings, including to protect vulnerable groups, reduce the risk of transmission and facilitate contact tracing, provided this does not adversely affect the provision of services to pupils. The emphasis should be on maintaining as normal a school routine as possible at all school stages.

Nursery schools

• Pre-school children are exempt from the gathering restrictions, the 1-metre distancing rule and the requirement to wear a face covering.
• The combined maximum number of those born in 2016 and earlier is 200 places.
• When staff are unable to maintain a distance of 1 metre from each other, a face covering must be worn.
• Mixing of groups is permitted, whether for children or staff, but staff must exercise the utmost caution and maintain social distancing where possible.
• Parents, carers and other visitors should exercise caution and observe social distancing when entering school buildings. Visitors are encouraged to wear a face covering in school buildings.
• During the induction period for children, parents should arrange their presence so as to minimise their use of the school's toilet and dining facilities, and should observe social distancing from one another and from staff.
• The same public health measures apply to events organised by nurseries, including the 200-person limit for adults.

Primary schools, after-school clubs and youth centres

• Primary school children are exempt from the 1-metre distancing rule and the requirement to wear a face covering, but they should be encouraged to be as cautious as possible and to practise good personal hygiene.
• The combined maximum number of staff and students in a room is 200.
• When staff are unable to maintain a distance of 1 metre from each other, a face covering must be worn.
• Mixing of groups is permitted, whether for children or staff.
• Parents, carers and other visitors should exercise caution when entering school buildings and observe social distancing. Visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings in school buildings, but schools are also permitted to further restrict visitor access.
• The same public health measures apply to events organised by primary schools, including the 200-person limit for adults.

Music schools

• Pupils of primary school age are exempt from the 1-metre distancing rule and the requirement to wear a face covering, but they should be encouraged to be as cautious as possible and to practise good personal hygiene.
• The maximum permitted number of staff and students is 200 in a space.
• When staff and students born in 2005 and earlier fail to respect the 1-metre distance rule, a face covering must be worn.
• Mixing of groups is permitted, whether for students or staff.
• Parents, carers and other visitors should exercise caution when entering school buildings and observe social distancing. Visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings in school buildings, but schools are also permitted to further restrict visitor access.
• The same public health measures apply to school events, including the 200-person limit for adults.

Secondary schools and schools teaching at secondary level

• Students and staff must wear a face covering where the 1-metre social distancing rule cannot be observed.
• However, it is permitted to deviate from the mask requirement once students are seated inside the classroom.
• The maximum permitted number of staff and students is 200 in a space.
• Mixing of groups is permitted, whether for students or staff. Groups may move between classrooms and study areas, but it is recommended that surfaces are sanitised between groups.
• The same public health measures apply to events organised by secondary schools or their student associations, including the 200-person limit for adults.

Universities

• Students and staff must wear a face covering where the 1-metre social distancing rule cannot be observed.
• However, it is permitted to deviate from the mask requirement once students are seated inside the classroom.
• The maximum permitted number of staff and students is 200 in a space.
• Mixing of groups is permitted, whether for students or staff. Groups may move between classrooms and study areas, but it is recommended that surfaces are sanitised between groups.
• The same public health measures apply to events organised by schools or their student associations, including the 200-person limit for adults.

The Minister of Health's regulations deal specifically with the cleaning and disinfection of premises. Schools should be cleaned as often as possible, particularly common touchpoints. In addition, personal hygiene should be reminded, good ventilation ensured and rooms aired regularly. At all entrances, access to hand sanitising gel should be provided, and in other areas as deemed necessary.

Summary of the impact of public health measures on school activities

See also:

• Ministry of Health news on current domestic gathering restrictions, 10 August 2021.
• Regulation on the second amendment to the regulation on restrictions on gatherings due to the pandemic, No. 878/2021, 11 August 2021.