FACE COVERINGS FOR SCOTS HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS
FACE coverings should be worn by staff and pupils when moving around secondary schools in Scotland from next Monday, the Scottish Government has confirmed.
The rule will apply on school transport for primary school pupils aged five and above, and all those at secondary school, but not in classrooms.
The changes come into effect from August 31 but Scotland’s Education Secretary John Swinney has stressed pupils will not be excluded from school if they do not wear a face covering.
Mr Swinney said: “We said our guidance would be kept under constant review and, following updated scientific and public health advice and the experience of schools reopening, we are making changes that will apply from 31 August.
“There is increasing evidence that face coverings can provide some protection for the wearer as well as those around them.
“We also know some pupils have found it very difficult to physically distance when moving around school, which could increase the risk of transmission of the virus. And on school transport, as on public transport, there can be mixing between different age groups.
“We have worked with partners on the Education Recovery Group to update the guidance to ensure face coverings are worn in corridors and confined communal areas in secondary schools, and on school transport.
“Schools will be asked to ensure children and young people have clear instructions on how to put on, remove, and store face coverings. Any staff member or pupil will still be able to wear a face covering when they wish to do so.
“We want to continue to protect what we have achieved in suppressing the virus and re-opening schools, and to do the best for children in schools.”
He said maintaining high standards of hygiene and ensuring physical distancing where possible continues to be required.
He added: “In situations where there is a local cluster, use of face coverings throughout the day may be required. The position will be kept under review.”
The Scottish Government said while staff and students can continue to wear face coverings if they wish to, face coverings will not generally be necessary in the classroom as there is greater scope for physical distancing.
Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the EIS teaching union, welcomed the Government’s decision, saying it is a “sensible and appropriate step” to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 but called for a “much sharper focus” on ensuring social distancing in schools.