COVID-19 in St Kitts and Nevis: Students must wear face masks at school, says Lisa Pistana

Lisa Pistana, Deputy Chief Education Officer,  urged parents and guardians to teach their children importance of wearing a face mask as they prepare to return to school later in January 2022. Her advice comes as St Kitts and Nevis is currently experiencing the fourth wave of COVID-19 Wearing a face mask that covers the nose, mouth, and chin is a crucial tool in reducing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, according to health officials, especially in public places. Mrs. Pistana, who was a guest on the January 05 edition of Working for You, said that pupils must wear a facemask in school to protect themselves and others as St Kitts & Nevis experiences the fourth wave of the virus.

"As parents, we encourage you to talk to your children about wearing their masks. It's easier to put on a medical mask," she explained, alluding to the blue or black surgical masks that many people use.

However, the cost of surgical masks and a supply scarcity may limit the product's availability to some homes. Wearing a reusable cloth mask is preferable in this situation, according to the Deputy Chief Education Officer, because "any mask is better than no mask."

Mrs. Pistana emphasised that the masks should not be kept in wallets, worn on wrists, or used as a chin cup.

"Make sure your mask covers your nose, mouth, and chin when they interact, especially when they are in close contact with each other, so that whatever you have stays with you and whatever the other person has stays with that person."

Adults were also strongly encouraged to hand out a little vial of hand sanitizer to each pupil so that they could sanitise periodically. Students should also be instructed to keep as much physical distance as possible, whether within or outside the school grounds.