PM urged to follow Scots on masks in school

BORIS JOHNSON came under fresh pressure last night to introduce face masks in schools after Nicola Sturgeon signalled that over-12s would be made to wear them in Scotland.

Teaching unions called on the Government to review its guidance on face coverings in schools, but ministers said they had no plans to do so.

It came after the World Health Organisation and Unicef, the UN children’s agency, advised that children aged 12 and over should wear face coverings in the same conditions as adults, particularly where they cannot guarantee at least one-metre social distancing. Ms Sturgeon launched an immediate review in Scotland – where the term has started – and is expected to rule that over-12s will wear coverings in corridors and other communal spaces.

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) immediately urged Mr Johnson to follow suit, putting the union on a collision course with the Government just days before children in England return to their classrooms.

It comes as a blow to Mr Johnson as he prepared to spend the week assuaging remaining doubts among parents that schools are safe.

Geoff Barton, the ASCL general secretary, said: “We would expect the Government in Westminster to review its guidance on the use of face coverings in schools – which currently says they are not required – in light of the WHO guidance and the consultation taking place in Scotland.

“The evidence is clearly evolving on this issue and it is important that it is kept under review and that clear direction is provided to schools.”

In an online poll by Yougov yesterday, 52 per cent of respondents said secondary pupils should wear masks.

Unions are also at odds with the Government over whether teachers should

‘If teachers wearing masks seems to that school the best way to build reassurance they should be able to’

wear face coverings in classrooms, adding to the tension as Mr Johnson and Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, try to ensure a smooth reopening of all schools to all pupils.

Ministers resisted calls from unions to allow teachers to wear personal protective equipment, saying it would act as a barrier between teachers and pupils and hamper learning, but some union representatives said transparent visors should be permitted.

Mr Williamson said hygiene measures put in place in classes meant masks were not required.

Dr Jenny Harries, England’s deputy chief medical officer, said the evidence on whether children over 12 should wear masks in schools was “not strong”.

She told Sky News that in children under 15 “compliance is very poor” and other measures taken in schools – such as children sitting side by side or back to back – meant they were not needed. Ms Sturgeon said recommendations would not include wearing masks in classes but suggested they could be worn in other areas such as corridors.

“Mixing between different groups is more likely in corridors and communal areas – increasing the potential for transmission,” she said.

“Secondly, crowding and close contact in these areas is more likely and voices could be raised, resulting in greater potential for creating aerosol transmission. Finally, there’s also less scope for ventilation in these areas.”

Robert Halfon, the Tory chairman of the Commons education committee, said: “There is a lot of confusion and it is not just schools but also restaurants and takeaways.

“It would be very helpful if there could be a mask ‘10 commandments’. Where are they needed? Are they needed in schools? If so, what sorts of children should be wearing them or should teachers? We need a lot more clarity and communication.”

Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner, said: “If teachers wearing masks seems to that school the best way to build reassurance they should be able to. I note the scientists don’t think at this stage there is a need to enforce it for everyone.”

A Downing Street spokesman said: “Our guidance does not recommend face coverings as pupils and staff will mix in consistent groups and we acknowledge that face coverings could obstruct communication between teachers and pupils.”