Northern Ireland

Face covering rules come into force as schools return full-time

Schools are due to return full-time this week
Schools are due to return full-time this week Schools are due to return full-time this week

NEW rules on face coverings in post-primary schools come into force this week when pupils return full-time.

Most young people have been out of the classroom since March.

Some year groups were brought back last week with social distancing largely abandoned in favour of `bubbles'.

There remain concerns about how this can be maintained on home-to-school transport, however.

Already, some schools have been affected by positive Covid-19 cases.

Education Minister Peter Weir said the first step in keeping schools safe was that anyone with symptoms should not attend.

Parents should not send their children to school if they have any coronavirus symptoms.

All secondary pupils and staff are being asked to adopt the policy of wearing face coverings in communal spaces.

Mr Weir has come under fire after it emerged he visited schools last week but did not wear a covering.

His own guidance states that any adult on a school site must cover their face.

The minister's department said Mr Weir would adhere to this on any future visit.

More generally, Mr Weir said given the risk mitigations in place in schools to limit and contain the spread of Covid-19, coverings were not recommended as being compulsory for routine use in education settings.

Following further advice from the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser, he is only recommending that pupils and staff wear a mask in corridors and other communal areas of post-primary schools.

"Staff and pupils may wish to use them during the routine school day and this is acceptable. Schools should also be aware that some persons (including some children) are exempt from wearing face coverings," Mr Weir said.

"I will continue to keep all guidance in respect of education settings under review in light of the latest medical and scientific advice."

Meanwhile, dedicated school bus services will resume on Tuesday.

Translink and the Education Authority has put plans in place to enable children to return to school safely using public transport.

Face coverings on dedicated school buses are not compulsory but are strongly recommended. On public transport, however, they are mandatory for everyone aged 13 and over, unless they have an underlying health condition.

There will be extra buses and more "school only" services to provide increased capacity. Some seats will be blocked off during school runs to create more space. Where possible, there will be more pick-ups at schools to reduce the volume of pupils at bus stations.