Removing face masks from classrooms in England from mid-May would be “unwise” at a time when Covid-19 infections remain in schools and not everyone has received a vaccine, ministers have been told.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the Government is planning to lift the face mask requirement in secondary schools at step three of its road map out of lockdown, which will be no earlier than May 17.
But union leaders and scientists have called for face coverings to remain in secondary schools and colleges beyond May to ensure pupils, staff, parents and the community are not put at risk of infection.