Austrian Court Overturns Mask Mandate in Schools

January 8, 2021 MedicalXpress 0

Austria’s Constitutional Court ruled in December that two government edicts related to coronavirus in schools – compulsory mask-wearing and splitting classes into two halves to be taught in alternate shifts – are illegal. Two children and their parents initiated the suite, saying the measures violated the principles of equality before the law, the right to privacy, and the right to education. -GEG

Austria’s Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday that two government measures to fight the spread of coronavirus in schools, compulsory mask-wearing and splitting classes into two halves to be taught in alternate shifts, were illegal.

The split classes system meant that some pupils had lessons on Mondays and Tuesdays and others on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

At all other times they were to stay at home.

“In addition, it was decided that all persons present in school buildings, apart from during teaching time, had to wear a mask over their mouth and nose,” a statement from the court said.

“In it’s decision published today, the Constitutional Court ruled that the measures in question were illegal,” the statement went on.

It explained its decision by saying that the “ministry has not made clear why it considered these measures necessary”.