Northern Ireland

Face coverings 'to be worn by post-primary children in the classroom'

Face coverings became mandatory in shops and enclosed spaces on August 10
Face coverings became mandatory in shops and enclosed spaces on August 10 Face coverings became mandatory in shops and enclosed spaces on August 10
By Digital Staff

Post-primary pupils will be required to wear face coverings in the classroom, it is understood.

The BBC reported that the change was outlined in a letter from the Department of Education to schools.

Teachers and post-primary students are already required to wear a face covering in communal areas of the school, such as corridors.

According to the BBC the letter was issued to schools yesterday.

Schools were due to reopen on Monday January 4 but yesterday Education Minister Peter Weir announced a one-week delay with primary and post-primary schools to deliver remote learning for the first week of the new term. The decision was made due to spiralling Covid-19 cases.

For secondary school Years 8 to 11, remote learning will continue throughout January.

Schools will open next week to accommodate vulnerable children and those of key workers.

Read more:Schools braced for further upheaval should Covid cases continue to spiral