Colleges in São Paulo disagree on the end of masks in open places

Even though they were authorized by Governor João Doria (PSDB) to no longer require the use of a mask in open places, part of the private schools in São Paulo decided that they will not make the flexibility yet. They fear the spread of contagion between students and teachers.

There are also institutions that have decided to only dispense with face protection for students in external areas, but not for teachers and staff. There are also schools that followed the governor’s measure, but still recommend using it because they don’t think the absence of the mask is prudent.

The Equipe and Gracinha schools, both in the central region of the capital of São Paulo, for example, considered that it was not safe to release the use of the mask. The view of these institutions is that students would be unprotected in the moments of greatest risk of contagion, which are recess, entering and leaving classes.

“There is a great density in the occupation of the patios and it is not possible to maintain a safe distance between the students so that they can be allowed to use them”, said Ligia Mori, director of Gracinha. The decision not to follow the measure adopted in the rest of the state was taken after consultation with a medical advisor.

At Mary Ward College, on the east side of the capital, the direction decided to follow the guidance of the state government, but does not recommend that students stop wearing the mask even in open places. In a note, he said that he will continue to encourage the use of protection in all areas of the unit.

At Pio XII College, in Morumbi, south of the capital, masks will no longer be mandatory for students in open spaces, but teachers and staff are advised to continue using protection.

The release only for students was also the option for the schools of the Luminova network, which has four units in the capital. “To preserve employees, especially those who have contact with all students at the school, we will guide them to continue using masks even in external environments”, said Écia Sales, academic specialist for the network.

According to her, there is no risk for students, as schools have organized breaks at different times for each class to avoid agglomerations. She also says that the measure will allow physical education classes to take place without the use of a mask, when they are held in patios and courts.

The release of use for physical and sports activities was also announced by Colégio Humboldt, in the south zone. According to the management, the measure will be possible since the unit has a large outdoor area, such as patios and courts. Bandeirantes College also announced that physical education classes can take place without a mask.

The assessment of some educators is that the removal of the mask should be considered from a health, pedagogical and emotional point of view. Mandatory use in the state for almost two years, face protection is seen by some children, especially younger ones, as an important part of school dynamics.

“Some children didn’t have the experience of going to school without wearing a mask, or they were too young to remember. Those who are more shy clung to them as a way of protecting themselves from situations in which they feel exposed or insecure,” she says. Eliane Lima, pedagogical advisor at Santa Maria College.

The school’s management has decided that it will allow the use of masks in external environments, but says that the change will be accompanied by a pedagogical action to avoid emotional damage to children. According to Lima, early childhood teachers have reported that some students refuse to take off their masks.

“When they’re embarrassed, they cover their face with the mask. We’ve been noticing this for a few weeks now and wondering if they’re not using protection as an emotional shield.”

She says that the teachers prepared activities to help the children remove their masks and feel safe and welcomed. “We are not denying the benefits of the mask, but we are seeing that they may have had negative points for younger children who were born in this context”, says Lima.