How long will the face mask requirement apply?

This face mask requirement has been established for at least 3 months. It may be extended by the government.

Are face masks compulsory in secondary education?

Students and teaching staff are required to wear a face mask outside lessons at all schools providing secondary (special) education.

In secondary education, secondary special education, secondary vocational education and higher education, pupils, students, teachers and other staff must wear a face mask when moving through the school building. The face mask may be removed during lessons when students have a fixed place to sit or stand. A teacher does not have to wear a face mask in the classroom, provided that a distance of 1.5 metres can be maintained. Physical education, singing, drama, dancing and certain forms of practical education are exempt from the face mask requirement.

However, in vocational subjects in pre-vocational secondary education and practical subjects in practical education, wearing a face mask during lessons is strongly recommended. This applies to specific lesson situations in which the 1.5-metre distance between the student and teaching staff cannot be guaranteed. This applies only if the face mask does not endanger the safety of the lessons.

Are exceptions to the face mask requirement possible?

All students must wear a face mask outside lessons, with the exception of students in secondary (special) education who cannot wear a face mask due to a disability or illness, or who could become seriously distressed by putting one on.

This may apply, for example, to students whose breathing is excessively obstructed due to a lung condition, or to students who become distressed when wearing a face mask themselves because of an intellectual disability or psychological disorder.

In secondary special education, it is up to the school management, in consultation with the (G)MR (joint participation council), to determine in which situations wearing a face mask is realistic.

How can I make a claim to the exception plausible?

This can be done in various ways. For example, the student can show their aid or medication. Another option is a note from a doctor, healthcare provider or care organisation, or proof of a recent appointment with a doctor. It is sufficient to make it plausible that your child cannot comply with the obligation.

Am I required to show my child’s medical information if I want to claim the exception to the face mask requirement?

You are not required to show this medical information. If you would prefer not to show medical information, you must use another way to demonstrate that you qualify for the exception.

What should I do if the school does not believe that my child qualifies for an exception?

Make sure you continue to discuss this with the school. Ask the school what information it needs in order to grant the exception.

What happens if my child comes to school without a face mask?

If a student does attend school but does not want to wear a face mask (and not for medical reasons), it is initially up to the school to determine what will happen.

  1. The school establishes its own measures and is responsible for the sanctions. In doing so, the school ensures the consent of the (G)MR when changing the health and safety policy.
  2. The school may choose to follow these steps:
    • Enter into discussions with the student and parent
    • Give the student a warning
    • Suspend the student
    • If the student still refuses to wear a face mask after the suspension, a meeting will be held with the school attendance officer
    • The case will be transferred to the school attendance officer

Is my child entitled to distance learning if my child does not want to wear a face mask?

If your child is suspended, the school is required to ensure that education continues. How the school does this is up to the school. This does not necessarily have to be online education.

What happens if I keep my child at home because I do not want my child to wear a face mask?

In this case, the rules that also apply in normal circumstances when a student is absent without a valid reason will apply:

  • The school will first discuss the absence with the student and the parent/carer. This may result in an absence report.
  • In any event, the school is required to report unauthorised absence to the school attendance officer via the absence register once there have been 16 hours of absence within a period of four weeks.
  • The school attendance officer will then follow the Methodical Approach to School Absence and conduct an investigation.
  • In this case, the choice not to attend school lies with the student.