The wearing of face masksin secondary schoolclassrooms will no longer be a requirement for either students or staff from next Monday, the prime ministerhas announced.
Despite opposition fromunions andscientists, who have calledfor masksto remain in schools until at least 21 June, Boris Johnsonsaid today that students will also “no longer” need to wear their face coveringsin corridors or communal areas.
The Department for Educationsaid the change would “improve interaction between teachers and students, ensuring the clearest possible communication to support learning”.
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However, the DfE clarified that staffshould continue to use masksin communal areas such as the staffroom, where social distancing may not be possible.
Speaking at today’sDowning Street press briefing, Mr Johnson said: “We will no longer require face coverings in classrooms, or for students in communal areas in secondary schools and colleges.”
The DfE added: “All other protective measures such as ventilation and social distancing where possible will remain in place and regular rapid testing will continue to help find and isolate asymptomatic cases when they do occur.
“Staff are not required to wear face coverings in the classroom but should continue to wear them in communal areas such as the staffroom, where social distancing may not be possible.”
Secondary students have beenasked to wear masks in classrooms as well as in corridors and communal spacesever since schools returnedon 8 March.
Pupils will no longer be advised to wear face coverings in schools and colleges from 17 May, as infection rates decrease and the vaccination roll-out covers most adults.
All other protective measures such as ‘bubbles’, extra hygiene & social distancing will remain in place.
- Gavin Williamson (@GavinWilliamson)
Staff in secondary schools and colleges have also beenadvised to wear face coverings in all areas, including classrooms, where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Primary pupils have been exempt from having to wear face masks throughout the pandemic.
