I AGREE totally with Mr Geoffrey Pereira on his commentary (my paper, Feb 11) on wearing a face mask if you are ill.

He wrote about the need to do so in the office, but I think it has to be practised in schools as well, especially in kindergartens and childcare centres.

Some parents send their children to these places even when they are down with a cough, runny nose or eye infection, as they see them as being only 'a little' ill.

This, however, means that other children will be at risk of catching the infection from the sick kids.

Two of my three children were the recent victims of one irresponsible parent, who let his son, who attends the same kindergarten as my children, go to school with a cough.

I spoke to the principal about the sick child and suggested that the school provide face masks for those who are ill.

The principal said there was no budget for the masks and that the children must bring along their own.

She added that the children would feel 'alienated' if they were made to wear a mask.

Sure enough, my kids developed a cough the next day.

It developed into bronchitis and they stayed at home for a week.

The medical bill for one child came up to $300.

After their one-week medical leave, my children returned to school - with face masks.

The boy who gave them the cough was still coughing and not donning a mask.

His mother said that he was fine.

More children have fallen ill since then but nothing has been done.

It seems that the healthy children are now going to school 'at their own risk'.

Madam Lam Mui Tay