No one seems to be disagreeing with the decision of Mexico’s Ministry of Education (SEP) to enforce mask wearing during the new school year, unlike in some U.S. states, in particular Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis is arguing such rules infringe on parents’ rights.
The regulations in this country are quite clear. Masks must be worn at all times by teachers and all students over the age of six. Students should bring a replacement mask to school to use if required. Schools must have masks on hand to distribute to students who forget to bring masks with them. Masks with breathing or ventilation valves will not be allowed because, the SEP notes, “the hole in the material could allow droplets of saliva to escape and reach other people.” Neither should N95 masks be used, as their use is reserved for health sector personnel.
The SEP foresees that nine out of ten schools will return to face-to-face classes on August 30.