Kids told to wear masks at schools
Stirling secondary school pupils will have to wear face masks from Monday.
The new rules apply to all pupils aged over 12 and cover corridors, communal areas and school buses.
Education secretary John Swinney said the guidance had been updated following new advice from the World Health Organisation.
There is no requirement to wear masks in classrooms where social distancing measures are already in place.
Mr Swinney said yesterday: “We said that 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 August 31.
“There is increasing evidence that face coverings can provide some protection for the wearer as well as those around them.
“We also know that 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 reopening schools and to do the best for children in schools.
“Alongside this change to the wearing of face coverings we need to reinforce the importance of maintaining high standards of cleaning, personal hand and respiratory hygiene and physical distancing where possible.
“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 to ensure that our approach remains commensurate with the evidence and the levels of transmission in Scotland.”
A Stirling Council spokesperson said yesterday: “We are continuing to follow Scottish Government Covid-19 advice on the reopening of schools and this includes the updated guidance on face coverings.”