The Prime Minister has confirmed pupils will no longer have to wear face coverings in schools and colleges in England from 17 May. The update follows the announcement that the country’s roadmap out of lockdown is on track, with Step 3 to go ahead as planned.
The recommendation to wear face coverings in classrooms was a precautionary, temporary measure. It was at a time where rates of coronavirus were high in the community. Also, the school and college regular testing regime was about to begin and the vaccine programme was in its early stages.
With infection rates, deaths and hospitalisations continuing to decrease, pupils will no longer have to wear face coverings in the classroom or communal areas in schools and colleges.
Transmission of the virus in schools continues to decrease in line with wider community transmission.
Commenting is Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson. “Step three of the roadmap allows people to mix indoors once again. In line with the latest data, we no longer need to recommend that face coverings are worn in the classroom.
“Over the past year, we have always put the wellbeing of pupils and staff first. This step is now the right one, as vaccinations protect the most vulnerable in society and we turn our attention to building back better from the pandemic.
“Testing in schools and colleges continues to be important. I urge all students, families and teachers to keep testing themselves twice weekly, to help reduce the risk of transmission.”
Also commenting is John Simpson, Head of Public Health Advice, Guidance and Expertise Pillar (PHAGE) at Public Health England.
“Scientific studies show that Covid-19 transmission in schools remains low. This evidence has been reviewed alongside criteria for the wider easing of restrictions.
“It’s important to strike a balance between Covid-19 protection and student wellbeing and the guidance on face coverings for secondary school pupils has been kept under constant review.”
Updated guidance on how schools should operate from Step 3 is available here.
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