CHILDREN at a secondary school will be made to wear face masks from September as part of their uniform.
Holmes Chapel Comprehensive in Cheshire has become the first school to make the protective masks compulsory for pupils.
They have circulated a letter out to parents ahead of re-opening their doors in September detailing the new plans, which go against government coronavirus advice.
It reads: “When school reopens after summer, the wearing of face coverings will be compulsory for students and staff when inside the school buildings and in all classrooms.
“We have taken this decision as a precautionary additional measure to our
expected safe behaviours. On the balance of probability, the wearing of face masks is likely to make our school safer than if we don’t wear them.”
The school, which caters for students aged between 11 and 18, has urged parents to buy a reusable navy mask for £3.
NEW NORMAL
Holmes Chapel say they will also ensure anyone entering classrooms will have to wash their hands before each lesson using dispensers.
Students will also be asked to stay 2m away from staff members to maintain social distancing.
But the announcement defies government advice ruling face coverings should not be worn in schools.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said last week ministers wouldn’t recommend kids wearing a mask as it “doesn’t give protection” when sat in a classroom all day.
And the Government’s official website says: “Wearing a face covering or face mask in schools or other education settings is not recommended.
“Face coverings may be beneficial for short periods indoors where there is a risk of close social contact with people you do not usually meet and where social distancing and other measures cannot be maintained, for example on public transport or in some shops.
“This does not apply to schools or other education settings.”
CORONA ‘BUBBLES’
It comes as rules were changed to make it compulsory to send kids back to school in September.
Boris Johnson said it would be “the law” for children to attend barring a small number of exceptions.
This includes those who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus – for instance children who have compromised immune systems.
But new guidelines have revealed entire schools could be closed if just two pupils get the disease.
Under the plans, schools in England are set to use “year bubbles” to get every child back learning this September.
Bigger schools would have bubbles of 30, with entire classes kept together to keep them safe.
The advice also demands the “bubbles” stay together on public transport when coming in and leaving school.
And secondary school pupils could be isolated in their year groups – limiting their interactions with students of different ages.
Despite the new measures, the Government has told schools to focus on core subjects, with a full curriculum possibly not back til 2022.