Masks in Scottish high schools from Monday
Last updated 25th Aug 2020
High school pupils in Scotland will be required to wear a face covering when moving between classes from the start of next week.
Education Secretary, John Swinney, says schools will be given "obligatory guidance'' that pupils should wear face coverings when moving around buildings from August 31st, in situations where physical distancing is not possible.
The Scottish Government is going further than the WHO guidance by recommending masks on school buses.
Jo Bissett, from the campaign group Us For Them Scotland, is telling Northsound 1 families are angry: "Parents are hugely disappointed to hear there has been this decision made with no consultation with them all. I think this just another case of a knee-jerk reaction.
"We have had messages from so many parents saying that there's no way their children will be going to school if it's a case that mask wearing is prevalent and mandatory.
"Many children who have autism find it incredibly difficult to wear and mask, and they find being around people wearing a mask truly terrifying.
It also puts the pressure on the UK Government to do the same in England.
On Monday, a Number 10 spokesman said there were no plans'' to review the guidance on face coverings in schools.
But the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said as evidence continues to emerge, Westminster should review its guidance, after the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised that children aged 12 and over should wear a mask.
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