Masks to stay for secondary pupils in Scotland

Secondary school pupils in Scotland will need to keep wearing masks in class after the October break, according to new guidance from the Scottish Government.

A more cautious approach is being taken, to provide more time for 12-15 year olds to take up their first vaccine dose.

The Scottish Government says it's to allow more time for 12 to 15 year olds to get vaccinated.

Around 40 per cent have had the jag so far.

A sharp drop in cases across the country has slowed, with figures rarely dropping below 2,000 per day in the past three weeks.

Face coverings in communal areas for secondary pupils and staff, as well as primary staff, will also continue.

The new guidance is contrary to reports last week that the need for face coverings would be dropped when pupils return from the October break.

But Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said the restrictions will be lifted at the earliest possible time''.

"In recent weeks we have seen the previous sharp decline in Covid-19 case numbers starting to level off, and that is why we have decided to adopt a cautious approach and maintain safety mitigations in school for the time-being,'' she said.

"Progress with vaccinating 12-15 year olds has been remarkable and is already over 40%.

"However, this was only rolled out a few weeks ago and allowing further time will mean that that encouraging figure rises even higher.

"This decision is based on advice from senior clinicians and takes account of the most recent data.

"We will continue to monitor case rates on a weekly basis, with a view to lifting restrictions at the earliest possible time.''

Ms Somerville added: "While I fully understand that this will be disappointing news for some young people and their parents, as has been the situation throughout, the safety of children, young people, and all education staff, remains the overriding priority.

"There is no room for complacency and we must all continue to remain vigilant to reduce the spread of Covid-19.''

Parents group UsForThem Scotland said families would be furious at the news.

Jo Bisset, organiser for UFTScotland, said:

“This is a disgraceful u-turn which will infuriate pupils and parents across the country.

“The Scottish Government needs to fully explain why it changed its mind, and whose input forced it to capitulate in this way.

“It certainly won’t have been based on evidence from England, which shows children there have been mask-free for months with no detriment to their health and wellbeing.

“Now we have a situation where children will have to spend more of their day in masks than almost any other section of society.

“The Scottish Government must reconsider and start listening to those who actually care about the wellbeing of young people.”

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