ABSTRACT
The Indonesian government implemented policies to control COVID-19 school clusters during the reopening phase in early 2021. Regional governments were granted the authority to permit limited offline learning based on enforcing health protocols, particularly mask usage. This study aims to assess students' knowledge of mask-wearing protocols during this period. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed to analyse health risks based on students' understanding of mask protocols, as well as the frequency and duration of school attendance in public and private elementary schools. The findings revealed that most students possessed a good knowledge of mask-wearing practices. This study highlights the urgency of health risk assessments and the consistent implementation of health protocols to safeguard children's health in schools during the pandemic. The results provide valuable insights for maintaining public health and ensuring the safety of students in educational settings throughout the pandemic.
