Facemasks in class to be scrapped at Lanarkshire schools as government guidance changes

dailyrecord.co.uk:

School pupils across Lanarkshire will no longer need to wear facemasks in school classrooms after the mid-term break.The Scottish Government today announced that regulations for classrooms will be eased from February 28 onwards.Face coverings will still be required in communal areas, subject to future review, while teachers and pupils can still wear face coverings in class if they wish.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "In recent weeks I have promised to keep Parliament and school communities updated on mitigations within schools - including the use of face coverings within classrooms."I have been clear that we do not want to keep these measures in place for any longer than is necessary, but that we must continue to be led by scientific and expert advice."On Tuesday our advisory subgroup on education and children’s issues met to discuss a number of issues, including the use of face coverings."The group reiterated its previous position that the removal of mitigations in schools should follow a phased approach."It also advised that the next phase could begin after the February half-term break, with the removal of face-coverings in classrooms – for both pupils and staff - on February 28."The First Minister then detailed the reasoning behind the decision.She added: