Call for a rethink on face coverings in schools
Masks should remain in secondary school classrooms beyond the middle of this month to prevent negative "consequences" on the health of pupils and parents, say teaching unions and scientists
A joint letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson claims that face coverings are "an essential part of the wider system of control in schools" and they should continue to be required until at least June 21.
Schools minister NickGibb said last week that he hoped that pupils would no longer have to wear face masks in class in secondary schools and colleges in England from mid-May.
The letter, from the National Education Union (NEU), the NASUWT teaching union, Unite, Unison and GMB, warns that increasing infection among children puts household members, parents and the wider community at risk.
Dr Deepti Gurdasani, an epidemiologist at Queen Mary University of London, who is among the signatories to the letter, said: "Scientists, school staff, parents and students are alarmed. We do not want a repeat of past mistakes that previously led to new waves, higher deaths, and prolonged lockdowns.
"Face coverings should be continued in schools after May 17, with review prior to the next stage of the road map on June 21, to avoid the risk of new outbreaks."
A DfE spokeswoman said: "It is expected that face coverings will no longer be required in classrooms at step three of the road map, which will be no earlier than May 17.
"The lifting of further restrictions at step 3 will follow a review of the latest data on infection and vaccination rates, and all other school safety measures , including regular asymptomatic testing, will remain in place."