TEACHERS should wear masks in schools when they cannot maintain two metre distancing, a report to the Scottish government has said.
The Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children's Issues has released fresh guidance on physical distancing in schools.
It said evidence was becoming clearer about the role of face coverings in reducing transmission of Covid-19.
Face coverings should not be required for most children except those clinically advised to wear one, it said.
Adults in schools, including at the school gate, should not need to wear coverings "as long as they can retain two metre distancing with other adults or pupils".
Where adults cannot keep two metre distance, are interacting face-to-face and for about 15 minutes or more, "face coverings should be worn".
It added that some children may need additional support and reassurance about the reasons for teachers wearing masks.
This guidance differs significantly from that issued by the north's Department of Education.
There are almost no references to face coverings in the New School Day document, which was published in June.
Children are due to return to the classroom on August 24 with one metre social distancing. Staff must continue to maintain a distance of two metres.
The north's guidance says the strategic objective is to achieve maximum face-to-face teaching time for all pupils at the earliest opportunity.
"Where social distancing cannot reasonably be applied a ‘protective bubble’ strategy can be adopted," it adds.
It added that personal protective equipment would only be needed in a very small number of cases.
"A facemask should be worn if a distance of 2m cannot be maintained from someone with symptoms of Covid-19."
Schools in Scotland are planning for an August 11 return.
Unlike Northern Ireland, its new guidance said the balance of the evidence suggested that "no distancing should be required between children in primary schools".
"The evidence is less clear for secondary schools but at present we would support the same approach being taken in secondary schools," it added.
"We conclude that on balance two metre distancing should remain in place wherever possible between adults, and between adults and children who are not from the same household."
The paper also said advice on social distancing and face coverings could be made stricter should coronavirus cases rise in the coming weeks.
Scotland's Education Secretary John Swinney said the government would examine the sub-group's advice to help it produce "comprehensive guidance".
