Face masks could be compulsory for pupils going between classes
First Minister considering new measure for high schools
Pupils and staff at Renfrewshire’s high schools could have to wear masks while moving between classrooms to help prevent a spike in coronavirus cases.
The First Minister revealed yesterday that education secretary John Swinney was in the “final stages” of consulting with teaching unions and councils on the issue and an official announcement would be given later this week.
It could mean high school pupils wearing face coverings when in busy corridors – but not in the classroom.
The announcement comes as a number of cases have been identified in schools across Scotland following the return to the classroom earlier this month.
Castlehead High School in Paisley was the fourth school and first secondary school in Renfrewshire to confirm cases.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirmed last week that pandemic trace and protect experts have been carrying out investigations at the Paisley high school.
Three primaries - Todholm Primary in Paisley, Wallace Primary in Elderslie and St James’ Primary in Renfrew - confirmed coronavirus positive cases within 48 hours.
However, it is not expected there will be any changes to the guidance on face coverings in primary schools.
Concerns have also been raised at Johnstone High School after a picture was circulated on social media showing around 30 children standing shoulder to shoulder in a fenced-off entrance to the sports hall.
But Renfrewshire Council reminded concerned parents that younger high school students and primary pupils are, under the Scottish Government guidelines, not currently required to maintain social distancing at school.
The use of face coverings in schools is currently voluntary, although some schools have started advising staff and pupils to wear them to help combat Covid-19.
Nicola Sturgeon said they are not currently looking at making pupils wear them while in the classroom as the risk of transmission is lower.
She said: “We’re consulting on this specific measure because, firstly, mixing between different groups is more likely in corridors and communal areas - increasing the potential for transmission.
“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.”
The First Minister said that decisions were yet to be made on if the guidance would be extended to school transport and that decision will be made in the coming days, but there are currently no plans for mandating coverings in class.
Mixing between different groups is more likely in corridors and communal areas