Sunshine Coast teachers’ ‘concerns’ over mask mandate compliance in classrooms

State school teachers have reported ‘concerns’ around students at Sunshine Coast high schools not complying with the Covid-19 direction to wear face masks at all times.

Sunshine Coast state school teachers have aired their “concerns” around students not complying with the Covid-19 mask wearing directive with the teachers’ union.

A Queensland Teachers’ Union spokeswoman said some of its members had raised concerns regarding those not wearing masks.

Thousands of face masks have been distributed to schools on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa areas currently subjected to the new rules, with staff and students over 12 expected to wear them while on school grounds.

“Some members have raised concerns regarding those not wearing masks,” a union spokeswoman said in response to questions about Sunshine Coast schools.

“We continue to work with the department on their behalf.

“It is really important to work together as a community to stop the spread of the Delta variant (of the virus).

“If children are sick, do not send them to schools and if people are sick, please get a test.”

The spokeswoman said overall the members had “high compliance” with the mask wearing in schools.

Under Queensland Health guidelines all staff and students over 12 must wear a face mask on school premises or when travelling on dedicated school transport.

“Students under 12 years of age who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so,” the department’s website reads.

“Adults, including volunteers, family members, contractors and other visitors are required to wear a face mask at all times while on school grounds.

“Face masks are not required where the nature of a person‘s work means that clear visibility of the mouth is essential.”

It comes after more than 1000 students at Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Sunshine Coast Grammar School and Immanuel Lutheran College came forward for “precautionary testing” for Covid-19.

A Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman said none of the students had returned positive test results.

The union has more than 47,000 members across Queensland primary, secondary schools, special schools, colleges, TAFE institutes and other educational facilities.