Primary schools have told kids they’ll need to wear face masks when they get back to the classroom on March 8.
Department for Education [DfE] guidance states that masks aren’t necessary for students in primary schools.
However, Selsdon Primary school in Croydon, south London, has issued different advice, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Headteacher Susan Papas told parents in a letter: “In order to be able to allow children to be able to play and socialise with the children in their bubble, we are asking that children from Year One to Year Six wear a face mask when in school.
“They will be taught the safe way to wear face coverings and will be asked to remove them for PE lessons, when eating and when drinking.”
The measures have already been introduced for key workers' children at the school.
Kids at Nascot Wood Junior School in Watford, Hertfordshire, will reportedly need to wear a “well-fitted” face mask in the classroom if there is not enough space to socially distance.
The rule is not “mandatory” but has helped keep coronavirus case numbers low, the school claims.
A Department for Education spokesman told the Telegraph that its guidance states face masks “should be worn by staff and adult visitors in situations where social distancing between adults is not possible (for example, when moving around in corridors and communal areas)”.
However, the guidance on the Government website continues: “Children in primary school do not need to wear a face covering.”
OnlyFans scandal as more mums caught up in row at school where three kids were expelled
Another section reads: “The Chief Medical Officers from all 4 nations in the United Kingdom have made it clear that the overall risks to children from coronavirus (COVID-19) in relation to education settings is low and that the risks associated with not being in school certainly outweigh those of being in school.
“This is guidance, not mandatory activity, and any legal exemptions that apply to the wearing of face coverings in shops and on public transport also apply to this new advice.”
Molly Kingsley, co-founder of the parent campaign group UsForThem, said: “Already 72 hours in we are already seeing the worrying extension of this mandate into primary schools.
ISIS bride Shamima Begum not allowed back to UK for legal appeal, Supreme Court rules
“We suspect these two schools won’t be isolated examples. Is this really what we want for children?”
The Daily Star has approached both schools and the DfE for comment.
Earlier this week, scientists warned wearing masks in public, regular hand washing and one-way systems could still be required when restrictions ease.
Get latest news headlines delivered free
Want all the latest shocking news and views from all over the world straight into your inbox?
We've got the best royal scoops, crime dramas and breaking stories – all delivered in that Daily Star style you love.
Our great newsletters will give you all you need to know, from hard news to that bit of glamour you need every day. They'll drop straight into your inbox and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
You can sign up here – you won't regret it…
The Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M), a SAGE subgroup, said "maintaining baseline measures" would still be necessary after June 21.
An SPI-M spokesperson said: "Maintaining baseline measures to reduce transmission once restrictions are lifted is almost certain to save many lives and minimise the threat to hospital capacity.
"These could include voluntary measures as well as effective Test, Trace and Isolate."
Source: Read Full Article
