Children’s commissioner fails to rule out face masks for pupils
FACE MASKS could be worn in schools, the children’s commissioner has suggested, as she joins Labour and teacher unions in questioning the Government’s guidance.
Anne Longfield said that she “wouldn’t rule out” the use of masks by secondary school pupils if it gave people confidence and meant schools would stay open.
She is the latest public figure to intervene in the row over face masks in schools. Her remarks came after Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, said face coverings for older children in schools should be considered when students returned in September.
Government guidance for schools returning in September says face coverings are not required and they should be removed on arrival at the school gates.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mrs Longfield said: “The scientific advice at the moment is that face coverings [aren’t] necessary [in schools].
“We know the risk of both children catching the infection and transmission, primary and nursery, is very, very low.”
She said that while the risk remained low for secondary school age children, there might be some children “who feel more comfortable with a mask on”. “So I don’t rule it out. I don’t think it’s something that should be a blanket introduction as yet unless the scientific advice is to do so.
“But if it means schools stay open and people have confidence, I wouldn’t want to rule it out, either.”
Unions have urged ministers to update their guidance on schools to include the wearing of face masks.
At least 10 schools have decided to break with government guidance and make coverings mandatory for pupils.
But The Daily Telegraph revealed last month that schools which force pupils to wear face masks could face legal action for acting “irrationally” and in an “absurd” manner.
Nick Gibb, the schools minister, said that official guidance remained that secondary school pupils will not have to wear face coverings in school.