Secondary school pupils in Leeds will be expected to wear facemasks from tomorrow (Monday).
The move comes after the city was placed under strict restrictions on Friday night following increasing coronavirus rates. The measures mean there will be no mixing between households in private homes, including gardens.
As Leeds is now an area with local restrictions, Government guidance on masks in secondary schools comes into play. The guidance says:
“In education settings where Year 7 and above are educated, face coverings should be worn by adults (staff and visitors) and pupils when moving around indoors, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
“As in the general approach, it will not usually be necessary to wear face coverings in the classroom, where protective measures already mean the risks are lower, and they may inhibit teaching and learning.”
Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said:
“Our priority is to get children back to school safely. At each stage we have listened to the latest medical and scientific advice.
“We have therefore decided to follow the World Health Organisation’s new advice. In local lockdown areas children in year 7 and above should wear face coverings in communal spaces.”
There is no guidance for primary school pupils to wear masks.