Parents and teachers protest against ATK test and face mask mandates at schools

A group of Thai parents and teachers against mandates for ATK tests and face masks at schools held a protest outside of the Ministry of Education and Public Health yesterday. Many schools and universities in Thailand are back to on-site classes again, but under the Covid-19 prevention measure set by the Public Health Ministry. Every student has been asked to show an ATK test result before entering and required to wear a face mask at all times. Some parents, especially those who have young children, argue that repeated nasal swab tests can hurt their children. They also say it’s an extra expense parents have to cover.

The group gathered yesterday in front of the ministries together with different signs against ATK tests and wearing masks at schools. Some held signs that said “Get ATK test every week costs too much and nonsense,” “Let’s get your child on ATK tests, and you will know how we feel,” “My child hurts, and I hurt too,” and “Public Health is brutal.”

One of the protesters told Thai media that parents cooperated with online classes for two years now and the mandatory Covid-19 tests disrupt studies. They questioned why healthy students are required to get tested.

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Some teachers also share messages and pictures on social media saying that they disagree with the Covid-19 prevention measures launched by the Public Health Ministry. One teacher says testing children with the ATK test is “brutal,” adding that adults are even put off by the thought of a nasal test.

SOURCE: Khaosod