Falkirk secondary pupils will have to start wearing face coverings

Secondary school pupils and staff will now have to wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas of a school – and all pupils over five years old will need masks when using school transport.

The Scottish Government announced the change today saying it had been made in light of the latest scientific and public health advice, including World Health Organisation guidelines.

However, staff and students won’t need to wear masks in the classroom where there is greater scope for physical distancing.

But if adults cannot keep two metre distance and are interacting face-to-face for a sustained period (about 15 minutes or more), face coverings should be worn.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “We said that our guidance would be kept under constant review and, following updated scientific and public health advice and the experience of schools reopening, we are making changes that will apply from August 31.

“There is increasing evidence that face coverings can provide some protection for the wearer as well as those around them.

“We also know that some pupils have found it very difficult to physically distance when moving around school, which could increase the risk of transmission of the virus.

“And on school transport, as on public transport, there can be mixing between different age groups. We have worked with partners on the Education Recovery Group to update the guidance to ensure face coverings are worn in corridors and confined communal areas in secondary schools, and on school transport.

“Schools will be asked to ensure children and young people have clear instructions on how to put on, remove, and store face coverings.

“We want to continue to protect what we have achieved in suppressing the virus and re-opening schools, and to do the best for children in schools.

“Alongside this change to the wearing of face coverings, we need to reinforce the importance of maintaining high standards of cleaning, personal hand and respiratory hygiene and physical distancing, where possible.”

A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the Scottish Government announcement and will provide further information once the national guidance is published.”