‘Serious questions raised’ by teaching unions over u-turn on masks in schools

Updated guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) issued on Tuesday said that in areas under local lockdown such as Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees, face coverings should be worn when moving around corridors and communal areas.

Teaching unions had previously urged clarity on wearing masks and sought reassurance for pupils, staff and parents ahead of schools reopening next week.

Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, said: “It is deeply regrettable that the Government has failed to heed concerns until the last possible moment.

“The latest announcement on face coverings raises serious questions about whether the Government is seriously following the scientific advice or is simply prioritising political expediency in order to meet the Prime Minister’s wish to ensure that every school reopens fully at the start of term come what may.

“This latest Government U-turn will raise questions about the statement issued by the UK’s chief medical officers last Sunday that there is a low risk of coronavirus transmission in schools.”

In their joint statement on Sunday, the chief and deputy chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said children have an “exceptionally low risk of dying” from the disease. The U-turn came after England’s deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said the evidence on whether children over 12 should wear masks in schools was “not strong”.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson had also insisted measures being adopted by schools to limit the spread of coronavirus meant masks were not required.

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said there was a “lack of confidence when Ministers and senior medical advisers say different things for four days”.

“This is no sort of assurance for the profession, parents or the public,” he said in a statement.

The Government announced yesterday that every school and college in England will receive 10 home test kits each, which are to be offered to individuals who may not be able to access a test elsewhere. They will also receive a one-off distribution of personal protective equipment, including clinical face masks, aprons, gloves, visors and hand sanitiser.