Students will not need to wear a mask at school starting in April

The education ministry will not ask students and teachers to wear masks at school from the beginning of the new school year in April.

The ministry is expected to send a notice to education boards explaining the new policy on March 17.

It had made the decision in February, but there was concern about infections. Therefore, the ministry was urged to establish guidelines for education-related situations.

Under the new policy, the ministry will recommend that students and teachers wear a mask when they ride a crowded train or bus while commuting.

They will also recommend that students wear a mask when they visit an elderly care facility or health care facility on a school trip.

The ministry will also recommend students having any face-to-face group work activities be in a well-ventilated location and refrain from talking loudly.

When singing and playing the recorder, students will be asked to do so in a well-ventilated place and keep a 1-meter space in front of them, as well as 50 centimeters on both their right and left sides.

The ministry asked students to wear a mask when singing at graduation ceremonies.

For school entrance ceremonies, usually held in April, they will not be asked to wear a mask if they maintain a safe distance from each other.

Parents and guests will also not be asked to wear a mask in such ceremonies and there will be no limit on the number of attendees.