Transport

Information from Transport about masks

In order to encourage the use of face coverings on school transport, the Department has directed that all pupils who receive home to school transport assistance should be offered a pack of 10 face masks.

The EA has now received the masks and is arranging for these to be delivered to schools. Individual schools should arrange for packs to be made available to pupils and to promote this initiative with parents and pupils.

The EA will provide schools with details of who is entitled to a pack. However, as we recognise that not all of these pupils can or will wear a face covering, schools will not be expected to provide a return confirming which pupils have indeed received one.

FAQs

− Pupils who travel by EA yellow bus, private taxi/bus contracted by the EA and pupils awarded a Translink travel pass are entitled to a pack of masks.

− Fare paying pupils are not currently entitled.

− If you have remaining stock by the end of Term 1 you may wish to provide more packs to entitled pupils or distribute to other pupil groups e.g. vulnerable children and/or fare paying pupils who use public transport. Alternatively, you can contact your local transport office if you would like us to collect surplus stock.

− Pupils are encouraged to wear a face covering on all school transport, if they can. It is mandatory for people aged 13 and over on public transport unless they have a medical exemption.

− More information on face coverings is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk

− Schools can contact EA transport on 028 9598 5959 if you have any further queries.