School asks pupils and staff to wear face coverings between classes
A secondary school is asking pupils to wear face coverings as part of efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus.
A memo from James Gillespie’s High School in Edinburgh said that from Monday, teachers and pupils “must wear face coverings indoors whilst moving around between classes”.
The school said the decision is based on feedback from pupils, parents and staff.
It comes after pictures emerged on social media showing high school pupils in crowded corridors.
On Thursday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said secondary school students might be required to wear face coverings in the “near future”.
Children are not currently required to wear masks in school but Ms Sturgeon said the guidance on the issue “may well” be updated.
James Gillespie’s High School said masks, face coverings and visors will be available free of charge to anyone who has lost or forgotten their own.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The safety and wellbeing of pupils and school staff is a top priority, and the guidance published ahead of the new term sets out clearly what health mitigations should be in place in schools.
“The situation is being closely monitored and we continue to review any emerging scientific evidence that will help us to protect our school community, including on the use of face coverings.
“In the meantime, our guidance provides for schools to adopt a precautionary approach depending on their individual circumstances.
“We continue to talk to teachers, parents, trades unions, local authorities and young people’s representatives as we take all necessary measures to ensure our schools remain safe.”