Face masks for pupils to stay as covid cases continue to increase
Coverings in high schools will remain to limit virus spread
Pupils in Renfrewshire will have to continue to wear masks in schools, health chiefs have confirmed.
The Scottish Government announced yesterday that the Covid-19 safety mitigations would “remain in place for now” to try and limit covid case numbers throughout the winter months.
Latest figures in Renfrewshire, show a rise in covid cases in the local authority over two seven day periods.
In the week of October 2 to 8, there was 526 positive cases recorded, and in the week from October 9 to 15, there were 644 positive cases.
The announcement from the government means secondaryaged pupils, and staff in the area’s 11 secondary schools and 49 primary schools will still require face coverings in communal areas or when moving around the building.
All secondary pupils will also have to continue wearing masks in the classroom.
The Chief Medical Officer has advised that while there are encouraging signs, a more cautious approach would allow more time for 12 to 15-year-olds to take up the vaccination.
As of October 17, a total of 3,047 12-15 year olds in Renfrewshire had received their first dose of the covid vaccine, while 2,749 16-17 had received their first dose.
Confirming that school mitigations will remain in place for now, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville also urged continued vigilance to protect pupils and staff.
Ms Somerville said:”Progress with vaccinating 12-15 year olds has been remarkable and is already over 40 per cent.
“However, this was only rolled out a few weeks ago and allowing further time will mean that that encouraging figure rises even higher.
“This decision is based on advice from senior clinicians and takes account of the most recent data.
“We will continue to monitor case rates on a weekly basis, with a view to lifting restrictions at earliest possible time.
“While I fully understand that this will be disappointing news for some young people and their parents, as has been the situation throughout, the safety of children, young people, and all education staff, remains the overriding priority.
“There is no room for complacency and we must all continue to remain vigilant to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”
The announcement was welcomed by the Educational Institute of Scotland.
EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said: “The EIS has argued for great caution in any easing of school mitigations, especially in light of continuing high levels of infection and the incomplete roll out of vaccinations for pupils.
“The priority is to keep schools open but as safe as possible, so this delay from the Scottish Government, with regard to easing mitigations, is welcome and will allow, also, more time for ventilation challenges to be met ahead of winter.”
There is no room for complacency and we must all continue to remain vigilant to reduce the spread