PUPILS TOLD TO KEEP MASKS ON
Teachers’ union pressure pays off
SECONDARY school pupils will not be allowed to discard masks after the Scottish Government bowed to pressure from teaching unions.
Schoolkids, as well as primary and secondary teachers, were required to wear masks until the October holidays but yesterday that requirement was extended.
Scotland’s largest teaching union, the EIS, welcomed the move.
General secretary Larry Flanagan said: “We have 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 and as safe as possible so this delay is welcome. It will also allow more time for ventilation challenges to be met ahead of winter.”
Secondary pupils and staff in primary and secondary schools will also still have to wear face coverings in communal areas or when moving around school buildings.
Chief medical officer Gregor Smith said a cautious approach would allow more time for 12 to 15-year-olds to get vaccinated.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “In recent weeks we have seen the previous sharp decline in Covid-19 case numbers starting to level off. That’s why we’ve decided to adopt a cautious approach and maintain safety mitigations in school for the time being.
“This decision is based on advice from senior clinicians and takes account of the most recent data. We will monitor case rates on a weekly basis, with a view to lifting restrictions at the earliest possible time.”
Scottish Labour’s education spokesman Michael Marra said: “Once more we see a late and chaotic decision taken by SNP ministers. It’s a shameful way to treat pupils and staff, especially as this decision appears to be because they have failed to deliver vaccine doses to all 12 to 15-year-olds in time for schools returning.”
● A further 2459 people in Scotland have been diagnosed with Covid, figures reveal. There were 869 in hospital, up 12 from yesterday.