Masks "strongly recommended" in schools - but not classrooms

Saturday 30 October 2021

Children and staff in secondary schools and staff in primary schools are asked to wear face masks when they return to school on Monday after the half term holiday – but not in classrooms.

In secondary schools, face coverings are “strongly recommended” – but not mandatory – in communal areas. In primary schools, they are “strongly recommended” – but again not mandatory – for adults indoors where physical distancing is not possible.

As of midday yesterday, there were 189 active cases of covid-19 in the Bailiwick. The number of cases was rising until schools broke up for half term but has fallen during the half term holiday.

Since last Friday, islanders over the age of 12 have been requested to take lateral flow tests at least twice a week and wear face coverings in indoor public places where physical distancing is not possible or there is poor ventilation. 

The States issued the guidance “following discussions between Education and Public Health”. 

“It is strongly recommended that children and young people in years 7 to 13 and staff in secondary schools and at the College of Further Education wear face coverings where physical distancing…is not possible – for example, when moving around in corridors and communal areas,” they said. 

“As such it is recommended that students in secondary school and above bring a suitable face covering with them each day. 

“It is not expected that face coverings will be worn in classrooms or learning areas where there will be additional mitigation in place. 

“However, face coverings for students in years 7 to 13 are required on school transport. Most young people will be able to wear their face covering without difficulty for their bus journey. But if a young person does not have a face covering, or is unable to tolerate wearing one, please discuss this with the driver as no child should be prevented from travelling by bus for these reasons.

“In primary schools and early years settings face coverings are strongly recommended in situations indoors where physical distancing between adults is not possible. If a child of primary school age wants to wear a face covering and can tolerate wearing one, then they are of course free to do so, but the strong recommendation is for adults only.”