Parents fear lack of protection as Queensland students prepare to return to school amid Covid spike

Fear is rising among parents of Queensland students preparing to return to school in the New Year as Covid cases continue to rise with some even calling for children to wear masks. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Brisbane parents are calling on masks to be mandatory for students as Covid-19 cases surge ahead of the 2022 school year.

With cases now above the 1000 mark heading into the New Year just weeks away from the start of the 2022 school year on January 24, some parents have even called for students to wear masks upon their return.

One parent from The Gap, who has a four and seven-year-old and recently moved back to Australia from Los Angeles, said she was concerned about the plan, or lack thereof, to send children back to school.

Some parents have called for young students to wear masks when they return to Queensland schools in 2022.

“Firstly, I understand that kids aged five to 11 will soon be eligible to receive their first dose before the start of school,” she said.

“However, the likelihood that all children will get appointments before then seems slim and not to mention it will be only a first dose.

“Are we just sending them to school without any real protection?

“Secondly, for our little ones under five years, not eligible for any vaccine, what protection do they have at kindergarten and daycare centres?”

The parent said the handling of the pandemic when they were in LA was “awful” but if anything came out of it, it was that children could wear masks effectively – something she called for students in Queensland.

“While we were in Los Angeles, our kids wore masks and they were two and five at the time and both wore them without difficulty and or complaint.

“Something like this seems like a no-brainer to implement to kids aged two and above, but there’s not a single word about implementing something like this.

“I’ve also heard the excuse that children don’t know how to wear masks effectively and based on our experience in Los Angeles, that is categorically untrue.”

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath addresses the media during a Covid press conference. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Another mother, from Wynnum who has an eight and six-year-old attending primary school, said she believed students should have to wear masks.

“I definitely would be fine with my kids having to wear masks, otherwise if they can get it, then why are we wearing them? Seems like no point,” she said.

“Our young kids can get it too so what are we doing to keep them safe?.”

A Queensland Department of Education spokesman said they, along with all state schools, had contingency plans in place and were well prepared for any disruptions which may arise from Covid.

“Principals and their school teams have been planning for these scenarios for almost two years, and are ready to deliver programs that best meet the needs of their school communities” the spokesman said.

“As they have done previously, schools will work with families to ensure every student can access learning materials if needed, such as through loan devices or delivering materials to homes.

“Thanks to the strong health response, Queensland schools have been open for face-to-face learning throughout most of the pandemic, unlike other places in Australia and the world.”