Face mask requirement to be scrapped in schools

Face mask rules are set to be dropped in schools across Wales from next week.

Currently, staff and pupils in secondary schools are required to wear face masks in communal areas and when moving around the school.

However, this will not be legally be required from Monday, May 9.

Making the announcement, Wales’ Education Minister Jeremy Miles said it will bring schools into line with guidance for businesses and other organisations.

The Welsh Government has written to schools to let them know about the changes.

Schools and colleges will still be advised to continue working with local authorities and public health bodies to ensure measures they do take to combat Covid are appropriate.

Special educational schools will continue to follow the advice for children and young people at a higher risk of complications from Covid.

Speaking at the Welsh Government press briefing on Tuesday, May 3, Mr Miles said: “In line with the wider public health guidance published at the last three-week review, we have today written to headteachers to signpost the impending changes to our advice for schools, which reflect the move from pandemic to endemic.

“This will ensure school guidance is more closely aligned with the rest of society.

“We all know that Covid-19 has not gone away. It remains vitally important we reduce the spread of the virus where we can – this includes, for example, following self-isolation guidance, and for education settings to continue to undertake robust risk assessments.”