Coronavirus: Boris Johnson urged to think again on face masks in schools
The Association of School and College Leaders says as new evidence emerges, guidance should be re-examined.
Tuesday 25 August 2020 09:56, UK
An education union has called for the government to keep the issue of face masks in schools under review.
As new evidence emerges, guidance should be re-examined, the Association of School and College Leaders said.
ASCL general secretary Geoff Barton told the Daily Telegraph: "We would expect the government in Westminster to review its guidance on the use of face coverings in schools - which currently says they are not required - in light of the WHO guidance and the consultation taking place in Scotland.
"The evidence is clearly evolving on this issue and it is important that it is kept under review and that clear direction is provided to schools."
Former education secretary and Tory MP Justine Greening told Sky News ministers should be "open to looking at what more steps can be taken to ensure children can go back safely".
She added: "If face masks can be part of that and are a sensible measure then they should be considered."
Their words come amid a continuing fight over whether it is safe for students and teachers to return to the classroom over the coming weeks.
More than 40,000 people have died after testing positive for the coronavirus and there are fears that reopening schools could spread the disease further.
The Scottish government is expected to confirm its decision on face masks in schools soon, after the World Health Organisation (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear them.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her education secretary, John Swinney, was consulting with teachers and councils on whether to recommend the use of masks in schools.
It comes after 17 members of staff and two pupils tested positive for coronavirus at a school in Dundee less than two weeks after Scottish schools returned.
Three "community contacts" linked to Kingspark School also tested positive for COVID-19 as of 6pm on Sunday, NHS Tayside said.
The school, which caters for children aged five to 18 with additional support needs, has been closed since last Wednesday due to the outbreak and pupils have been told to self-isolate for 14 days from last Thursday.
A Number 10 spokesman said there were "no plans" to review the guidance on face coverings in schools.
He added: "We are conscious of the fact that it would obstruct communication between teachers and pupils."
Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Kay Burley @ Breakfast: "Public Health England has been very clear that they do not recommend the wearing of face masks in schools.
"And the reason for this is because pupils are obviously mixing in the same cohorts.
"We've also provided, through Public Health England, guidance in terms of how schools can keep children safe, how they can keep teachers safe and how schools can be COVID-secure environments."
England's deputy chief medical officer, Jenny Harries, has said evidence on whether children over 12 should wear masks in schools was "not strong".
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said masks were not required as schools were taking measures to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The government is expected to respond to the WHO guidance during topical questions on Tuesday afternoon.