Boris Johnson Tells Schools In England To End Mask-wearing Policy

In response to rising Covid-19 cases in schools, Boris Johnson has advised schools in England to discontinue the use of face masks for pupils. Headteachers at secondary schools have previously voiced their commitment to encouraging students to keep wearing masks despite the government’s withdrawal of advice to wear them in classrooms. Johnson’s spokesperson defended the decision, stating that the prime minister believes that children need face-to-face education and a normal classroom experience and that schools should follow the latest guidance. However, school leaders claim that official guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) allows for schools to require masks. The DfE has advised parents that schools may suggest temporary mask-wearing in communal areas and classrooms. Nadhim Zahawi, the education secretary, has proposed consulting with directors of public health over the possible reintroduction of face masks in schools to deal with extraordinary local outbreaks. Meanwhile, Wales has announced that face masks will continue to be worn in secondary schools and colleges for another month. Despite an overall improvement in Covid-19 cases in the UK, schools are still seeing high levels of infections. Primary schools have been especially hard-hit, with a 41% rise in Covid-19 cases among schoolchildren aged five to nine in England in one week. Paul Whiteman of the National Association of Head Teachers has criticized the government’s messaging, calling for local public health directors to have the authority to reintroduce face masks in communal spaces if necessary. Johnson’s comments did not include any threats towards schools that continue mask-wearing, and the DfE does not have definitive legal powers to enforce its guidance.