Schools in North Rhine-Westphalia cannot overturn the suspension of the mask requirement in lessons on November 2nd.
However, individual students have freedom of choice.
The Ministry of Education made this clear on Friday at the request of the German Press Agency in Düsseldorf.
“The waiver of the mask requirement at the seat in class applies nationwide.
Düsseldorf - Schools are not allowed to issue their own regulations, "said the ministry.
"Regardless of this, students can individually decide for themselves whether to continue to wear a mask."
NRW Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann (CDU) said in Düsseldorf: "It is not forbidden to wear a mask in school."
In the rest of the school building, the mask requirement remains.
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Mask requirement at schools in North Rhine-Westphalia should be dropped from November
After Bavaria and Berlin, NRW is now also announcing a relaxation of the mask requirement in schools.
From November onwards, schoolchildren will no longer have to wear masks on the seats.
Mask requirement at schools in North Rhine-Westphalia should be dropped from November
Considering the abolition of the mask requirement in class
Saxony's Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs Christian Piwarz (CDU) is considering abolishing the mask requirement in school lessons after the autumn break.
While a mask would have to be worn in the school building with an incidence of 35 and over, it should no longer be necessary in the field or in class, the ministry said on Friday.
Several media had previously reported unanimously about the plans.
Considering the abolition of the mask requirement in class
Over 200 people infected with corona in schools
The number of corona infections in schools is increasing steadily.
On Thursday, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lagus) in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania reported 219 ongoing cases - 211 students and eight teachers or employees at a total of 51 schools.
The affected children and teachers are in two-week quarantine and cannot attend classes.
Over 200 people infected with corona in schools
The decision, which is controversial in parent, school and teacher circles, was a deliberation of the coalition - even if not everything speaks for it, said Laumann.
"You can't deny that the masks give a piece of security."
Since it is completely unclear when a vaccine for children under twelve will be approved in Germany, it is difficult to wait for it and to maintain the mask requirement despite increasing vaccination rates in the general population and ongoing regular tests in schools, Laumann said.
He also received emails with the tenor: “You have to get rid of the masks now.
You are suffocating our children. ”Dpa
