By James Simons –
Head teachers in the Uk have been given discretionary powers to instruct their pupils to wear masks ahead of pupils returning to the classroom from next week.
Schools and colleges that adopt the rules will apply them in “communal areas” of schools such as corridors, rather than in classrooms, when schools “believe that is right in their particular circumstances”.
The u-turn calls for pupils in secondary school and higher education to wear face coverings. but does not include primary school children.
It follows advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) now advise that “children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a 1-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area.”
The update issued late on Tuesday by the Department for Education, revealed the government’s revision of its guidance on face coverings for staff and children in Year 7 or above in England.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier said: “We’ll look at the changing medical evidence as we go on, if we need to change the advice then of course we will.”
Discretion
The government statement reads: “While the government is not recommending face coverings are necessary, schools will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas if they believe that is right in their particular circumstances.
“In addition, and consistent with WHO’s new advice, the government will advise additional measures are taken in areas where the transmission of the virus is high.
“In these areas, defined as areas of national government intervention [areas of local lockdown] as listed on gov.uk, the government’s guidance will state face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils in secondary schools when moving around the school, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain.”
Priority
Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: “Our priority is to get children back to school safely.
“At each stage we have listened to the latest medical and scientific advice.” We have therefore decided to follow the World Health Organisation’s new advice. In local lockdown areas children in year 7 and above should wear face coverings in communal spaces.
“Outside of local lockdown areas face coverings won’t be required in schools, though schools will have the flexibility to introduce measures if they believe it is right in their specific circumstances.
“I hope these steps will provide parents, pupils and teachers with further reassurance.”