Fórsa’s education division has welcomed the Technological Higher Education Association’s (THEA) decision to make face covering compulsory for all students and staff on institute of technology campuses from September.

The Government’s has recommended face coverings for settings where it’s difficult to practice social distancing, and looked set to make them compulsory on public transport as this bulletin was going to press.

Wearing of cloth face coverings may help prevent people who do not know they have the virus from spreading it to others.

Fórsa official Stella Griffin said the compulsory measure was essential to ensure safer campus environments when students return in the autumn.

“The THEA is the first third-level institution in Ireland to implement this protective measure and we feel this will lead the way for other higher level bodies to follow suit. Curtailing the spread of Covid-19 remains crucial, and by making this measure compulsory for everyone on campus will help to make them safer and less infectious environments,” she said.

Fórsa’s head of education Andy Pike also welcomed the initiative.

“This establishes a positive approach to a return to work for IOT staff. It’s a measure that can be relaxed if the situation improves but, right now, it shows leadership and foresight ahead of the new term,” he said.

Government health advice says people who wear face coverings should also observe physical distancing and other Covid-19 prevention measures.