The future of school: Pupils in Scotland wear face masks to class for the first time since they were made mandatory and the day before students south of the border return
- Thousands of children in Scotland returned to school today in face masks
- The measures are in place in communal areas and corridors but not classrooms
- Rule will also apply on school transport for primary school pupils aged five and above
Thousands of children in Scotland returned to school today in face masks as new rules came into force.
The measures are in place in communal areas and corridors but children won’t have to wear face coverings while they are being taught in classrooms.
The rule will also apply on school transport for primary school pupils aged five and above and applies to all those at secondary school.
It comes as restrictions ease in other areas of life, with gyms, swimming pools and indoor sports courts allowed to reopen from August 31.
Pupils at Rosshall Academy in Glasgow wear face coverings as it becomes mandatory in corridors and communal areas
Students at St Columba’s High School, Gourock, wear protective face masks as they head to lessons
Announcing the new rules for schools last week, the Scottish Government said while staff and students can continue to wear face coverings if they wish, they will not generally be necessary in the classroom as there is greater scope for physical distancing and face coverings can have an impact on learning and teaching.
However, it remains the case that where adults cannot keep a two-metre distance and are interacting face-to-face for more than 15 minutes, face coverings should be worn.
Education Secretary John Swinney said: ‘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.
Leah McCallum, Rebecca Ross and Sarah Watt, S4 students at St Columba’s High School, Gourock, put on their protective face masks as the requirement for secondary school pupils to wear face coverings when moving around school comes into effect from today
‘And on school transport, as on public transport, there can be mixing between different age groups.’
He added: ‘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.’
Mr Swinney has stressed pupils will not be excluded from school if they do not wear a face covering.
It comes following advice from the World Health Organisation that children aged 12 and over should wear face masks.
From Monday gyms, swimming pools and indoor sports courts can reopen, subject to guidance.
This is two weeks earlier than the previous date of September 14 which had been pencilled in.
Indoor activities for children are also now allowed.