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<p>At each stage of the department’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have listened
to the latest medical and scientific advice, and if we think that the guidance should
be revised based on further evidence then we will not hesitate to act swiftly and
decisively.</p><p>On 21 August, the World Health Organisation published a new statement
advising that “children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same condition
as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a 1-metre distance from
others and there is widespread transmission in the area”. As a result, the department
has revised its guidance on face coverings in schools and colleges, which can be found
here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-in-education/face-coverings-in-education"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-in-education/face-coverings-in-education</a>.</p><p>As
the guidance outlines, in areas of national government intervention, face coverings
should be worn by staff, visitors and pupils in secondary schools when moving around
indoors, such as in corridors or communal areas where social distancing is difficult
to maintain. Otherwise, all schools, including primary schools, have the discretion
to require the use of face coverings by adults and pupils in year 7 and above in indoor
communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed. Children in primary
school do not need to wear a face covering.</p><p>Based on current evidence, and in
light of the mitigating measures that schools are already putting in place, face coverings
will not be necessary in the classroom. Face coverings would have a negative impact
on teaching and their use in the classroom should be avoided.</p><p> </p>
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