Post-primary pupils in Northern Ireland are being advised to wear face coverings in schools, following new guidance from education minister Peter Weir.
The minister updated guidelines on how pupils returning to schools can lower the risk of coronavirus infection by urging them to wear coverings such as face masks while in school corridors and other communal areas.
The new advice follows a meeting between Mr Weir and the north's Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser.
The guidance will come into effect from August 31, and reflects rules in Scotland where pupils are asked to cover their face in communal areas and on school buses. In England, meanwhile, health authorities have recommended children do not wear coverings while at school.
Mr Weir said: "I am recommending that pupils and teachers wear a face covering in corridors and other communal areas of post-primary schools from next week when schools return full-time.
"The current public health advice is that the use of face coverings provides some benefits, however, it is not a replacement for frequent hand washing, social distancing where possible, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and regular cleaning of surfaces. It is also important to remember that evidence suggests that the risk of transmission in schools is relatively low compared to some other settings.
"My existing guidance on the reopening of schools already deals with the use of face coverings. In terms of school transport, the advice remains the same, that we strongly recommend that all pupils wear a face covering on all dedicated school transport including buses and taxis where it is appropriate for them to do so."
