Face masks for pupils in Scotland’s high risk areas

Government guidance has stated that students in older year groups and their teachers must wear face masks in Scottish schools in high risk areas.

The new rules will apply for pupils in their senior phase, who are usually aged 15 to 18. The new guidance says students in year groups S4 to S6 must wear face masks in classrooms if they are in places classified as Level 3 or 4, but only those in areas under the two highest alert levels for coronavirus will be affected.

Secondary school pupils in Scotland already have to wear face coverings in corridors, communal areas and on buses.

John Swinney, the deputy first minister, said: “The evidence suggests there is slightly higher infection and transmission risks for people around the age of 16 to 17 so the use of face coverings is an additional precautionary measure in areas where there is increased incidence of the virus.

“Keeping schools open remains our priority but that can only be the case if schools are safe. This strengthened guidance, produced in light of updated scientific and health advice, adds to the health mitigations that have been in place since schools opened in August.”

Under the new guidance, adults are also being advised to wear face coverings in schools where they cannot stay at least two metres away from other adults and pupils - although there were some exemptions to this for primaries one and two.