Calls for teachers to be able to wear face masks.

Even though the Government says risk of Covid-19 transmission in schools is limited due to existing controls, school unions have called for teachers and support staff to be allowed to wear face masks in schools in England in order to protect them and help limit the spread of coronavirus.

The current stand of the Government is to not wear face coverings in schools, as it says staff and pupils are kept in consistent groups, meaning risk is limited, and misuse could increase the risk of transmission. There are also concerns that masks could affect communication in classes.

However, with face coverings now mandatory in most enclosed public spaces across England, including inside shops and on public transport, unions say the current policy in schools is out of step with wider public health policy.