PUPILS and teachers at a leading grammar school in north Belfast have been told they must wear face masks when classes resume.
Belfast Royal Academy (BRA) said if a pupil arrived without a face mask, "they will not be permitted to enter the classroom".
In an email to parents and guardians, the co-educational grammar school also said it would be issuing washable face masks to pupils.
The letter said "due to our large pupil and staff population, it will be extremely difficult to maintain strict social distancing requirements".
"Therefore, in order to protect all members of the school community, including those who are vulnerable, all pupils, staff and visitors must wear a face covering within the schools buildings," it stated.
"Every pupil will be provided with a washable face mask in school colours."
Pupils are encouraged to purchase at least one additional mask "to facilitate frequent washing" and disposable masks are prohibited for environmental reasons.
The letter added: "If a pupil arrives to school without a face mask, they will not be permitted to enter the classroom".
On Monday it became compulsory to wear a mask in shops and enclosed public spaces in Northern Ireland.
The Department of Education is due to issue detailed guidance on the use of face coverings and other PPE in school settings later this week
A department spokeswoman said: "Any specific public health advice will be followed regarding the use of PPE and face coverings for teachers and pupils.
"Detailed guidance on the reopening of schools will be issued this week and will include advice on the use of PPE and face coverings."
Sinn Féin's John Finucane, MP for the area, was pictured at BRA on the Cliftonville Road yesterday. However, he declined to comment on the decision by the school.
The announcement by BRA last night provoked a mixed response from parents with one mother writing on Facebook: "I am horrified by the decision to require masks for students and very concerned that other local schools may feel under pressure to follow suit.
"Masks are not recommended for children under the age of 13 in any circumstances.
"It's one thing to expect an adult to wear one while popping in and out of shops, but to expect a child to wear one for several hours a day is quite another."
However, another parent praised the school, describing it as a "brave decision".
"It won’t suit everyone but it’s the best thing for children but teachers who also deserve to be protected," she said.
Another added: "Thank you BRA for working so hard to keep everyone safe".
NI Children's Commissioner Koulla Yiasouma said her preference would be for face masks to be encouraged, not mandatory.
"My big worry is that these young people are coming back to school for the first time in five months and with such a difficult rule to follow - albeit it is for the health of everybody - that it's immediately going to pitch young people against the school," she said.
"There's going to be disciplinary problems off of that."
