Commenting on Government advice regarding mask-wearing in schools, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union, NAHT, said:

“No-one wants to see masks being worn in school for longer than is necessary, but it’s important to remember that some schools are still dealing with very high levels of Covid in their communities which are in turn leading to high levels of pupil and staff absence.
 
“Schools will continue to work closely with their local public health directors to make sure that the actions they are taking are in line with local public health advice. It is vital that the government continues to work closely with local public health teams so that schools receive clear and consistent messages.

“Simplistic public messaging from government really is not helping matters either. As the government’s own latest guidance makes clear, covid measures may vary between regions and local public health directors have been given authority to re-introduce face masks in communal spaces where they feel that is required. The government has a duty to be clear with parents on this.