Teachers appeal to govt to provide face shields

Just over a week after schools reopened, primary school teachers have cried out to the government to help provide them with plastic face shields.

Teachers argue that masks made out of cloth cover the mouth and nose which muffles sound, making it difficult for the students to hear.

Charles Angiro a social studies teacher at Rhona Junior School in Nansana explained that apart from other professions, teaching requires a mask that is more comfortable and transparent because facial expressions are very important during some lessons.

Because they have been away from work for some time, Angiro said only a few of them can afford to buy the plastic face shields which are sold for between sh10,000 to sh20,000.

"The government should at least waive taxes on face shields so that manufacturers can produce them in big quantities at lower prices," Angiro added.

The pupils also raised a similar concern with some arguing that since they practice social distancing in the classrooms, they should be allowed to put off the masks and put them on once they step out of the classes.

KCCA spokesperson Daniel Muhumuza Nuwabine said the authority is to provide sh1.5m to all its schools to help them purchase some of the required items necessary for the implementation of the standard operating procedures put in place by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Nuwabine added that the schools can use part of that money to purchase plastic face shields for their staff.

The spokesperson of the ministry of health Patrick Muyinda insisted that it's mandatory for students, teachers, and all staff at schools to keep their masks on, social distance, sanitise and ensure that they strictly follow the government guidelines.