Masks to be required to use school buses

Monday 14 September 2020

Pupils using school buses will have to wear a face mask from next week, to help limit the spread of corona virus.

The medical advice is that masks are "strongly recommended" for pupils on buses from the age of 11, unless they are medically exempt.

And so from Monday 21st September, LibertyBus are making masks a condition of travel for pupils above that age. However, for the first two weeks, students will be able to get a mask free from the bus driver, if they don't have one or the money to buy one. 

Deputy Medical Officer of Health Dr Ivan Muscat added: “The public health advice remains that children and young people are not super spreaders of Covid-19. 

“The measures that are in place in school settings, such as separating children into bubbles or year groups and ensuring that they are not in close proximity to others outside their bubble/group for extended periods of time, are not possible to impose on the school bus service. 

“We know that school buses are running at full capacity, including standing passengers, so the ability to physically distance from each other and from the bus driver is very limited. We are working with LibertyBus to address the concerns raised by parents, schools and the drivers to ensure everyone on board is protected.”

If students have a medical condition which prevents them from wearing a mask, then they need to get a special exemption card. The government says that LibertyBus will make these cards available to schools who will issue them based on the children’s medical history.

Pictured: Dr Ivan Muscat -  "We are working with LibertyBus to address the concerns raised by parents, schools and the drivers to ensure everyone on board is protected."

Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois said: “LibertyBus has assured the Government of Jersey that no student will ever be denied access to a school bus for not wearing a mask.

“We appreciate that this will be a new experience for many of our students and we will continue to be understanding and work with LibertyBus to ensure that all schools, students and their families are aware of the new guidelines for school buses. We will offer support to any young person or family who might have difficulties purchasing a mask or is unable to wear one for health reasons.

 “Students are strongly encouraged to wear their own mask but anyone young person who does not have a face mask or the money to buy one will be given a free disposable by bus drivers over the next two weeks. 

“Each school also will be given a supply of disposable masks by the Department of Children, Young People, Education and Skills. If schools are aware or are alerted to the fact that the student does not have access to a mask or funds to purchase them, then the school will support the student.”