By Tony O’Riley-
An education union in Wales has called for children to wear masks in school classrooms.
Pupils over the age of 11 are already mandated to wear masks in corridors and playgrounds.
However, the National Education Union is now asking the Welsh Government to tighten its guidance “to keep staff and learners safe”. It is calling on the Welsh Government to look into the possibility of “Nightingale Classrooms” – taking over of public buildings to allow expanded space for classrooms, smaller contact bubbles and better social distancing.
“Bigger class sizes lead to bigger transmission networks, meaning more people have to isolate when someone has a positive test,” a spokeswoman said.
As well as face coverings worn in class, The National Education Union wants an immediate increase in the availability of testing for staff and pupils
The union published the list of demands as it launched an online interactive map where people can check local coronavirus infection rates, already publicly available, near schools.
David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union Cymru, added: “NEU Cymru recognises that young people are the Welsh Government’s priority, but we believe there are actions the Welsh Government can take to make schools and colleges as safe as possible.
“We can see, by the increasing number of cases and whole year groups that are being told to isolate, that the virus is spreading in schools and our priority must be keeping both learners and staff as safe as possible.”
He conceded rates are “quite low” in many places. In much of the country the map will offer reassurance that cases are quite low. In other areas it will reinforce public health messaging from local authorities and Welsh Government that cases are higher,” he said.
“In all situations it will encourage members of the public to follow all public health guidance.
“Where cases are higher it will support school and college leadership in encouraging parents and other visitors to the school site to maintain social distancing and hygiene.
“We want schools and colleges to be safe places to learn and work. Welsh Government must do everything it can to make this a reality.”