Teesside secondary schools advised to reintroduce face coverings
The advice is in response to rising community rates of infection
Secondary schools around Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland are being asked to reintroduce the use of face coverings.
The advice from South Tees Joint Director of Public Health Mark Adams is in response to rising community rates of infection.
As of Friday the infection rate in Middlesbrough was 294 per 100,000 of population. Redcar and Cleveland's rate is 358.
The increase in positive cases has led to significant disruption in schools, with large numbers of students having to self-isolate.
Mr Adams said:
"Nationally we're being told we must learn to live with Covid, but that's not the same as ignoring the problem. The Delta variant is spreading quickly in our communities.
"As a result we're seeing lots of disruption in our schools as positive cases increase among younger age groups. It's important to stress that what happens in the community has a direct impact on schools. The spike in school cases is reflective of our community rates.
"School is absolutely the best place for young people to be, but it's right that we act now to advise that face coverings should again be worn in all communal areas and classrooms where applicable and also push the messages on regular, free testing and isolation."
Hundreds of pupils are currently accessing online learning, with bubbles sent home to help prevent the spread of infection.
The advice to reintroduce face coverings is a precautionary measure to help protect children and staff and keep as many students in school as possible.
All schools have risk assessments in place and follow guidance from the Department for Education and Public Health England on safety.
Alongside the advice on face coverings, Mr Adams has stressed the importance of regular lateral flow testing and strictly following isolation requests.
He added:
"Schools are doing a brilliant job in responding to the challenges of Covid and I'd urge all families to help the staff by taking part in regular testing and ensuring their children properly isolate when asked."
Parents entering the grounds of primary schools are still encouraged to wear face coverings as a precaution.
At present, children are asked to take a PCR test at the end of their isolation period. When using the online booking system via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, parents should select the option that they've been asked by their local council to take a test.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should book a free PCR test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
The symptoms of Covid-19 are a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change to the senses of smell or taste.
For information on accessing free, rapid tests in Middlesbrough visit here.
In Redcar and Cleveland, visit here.