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Scottish parents' group warns Nicola Sturgeon of 'slippery slope' over face masks for pupils

All children aged five and over are to have to wear a face mask on school buses in Scotland - PA
All children aged five and over are to have to wear a face mask on school buses in Scotland - PA

Forcing Scottish secondary pupils to wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas from next Monday is a "slippery slope," parents have warned after the rule change was confirmed.

John Swinney, the Education Secretary, formally announced the change for children aged over 12 will apply from Aug 31 and disclosed youngsters aged five and over on school buses will also have to wear a covering.

Mr Swinney cited new World Health Organization advice that children aged 12 and over should wear a mask where they cannot maintain one metre social distancing and "there is widespread transmission in the area."

But parents' group Us For Them Scotland noted there were only 519 cases recorded in Scotland last week and warned "the door has now been opened for more widespread compulsory wearing of masks among children."

Guidance issued by Mr Swinney stated that mandatory face coverings could be extended to other areas of schools including classrooms "when dealing with local outbreaks."

Nicola Sturgeon said she had no plans to introduce face coverings for primary pupils but refused to rule out doing so, adding: "I don't think any parent would thank me for that."

SNP ministers were also accused of sowing confusion of whether or how the new rules would be enforced.

Although individual exemptions can be granted for health reasons, Mr Swinney insisted the guidance would be "obligatory" for all secondary, special and grant-aided schools.

But he said pupils who refuse to wear a mask will not be excluded from school and Ms Sturgeon said the guidance would not be backed up with fines.

Jamie Greene, the Scottish Tories' Shadow Education Secretary, said Mr Swinney's statement the guidance was "not mandatory but obligatory" was "as clear as mud."

The row broke out as it was announced that those attending courts and tribunals will also be asked to wear face coverings from Monday.

Children returned to Scotland's schools a fortnight ago with no requirements for physical distancing between younger pupils, and no rules around face coverings.

Confirming the change will take effect next Monday, Mr Swinney said: "There is increasing evidence that face coverings can provide some protection for the wearer as well as those around them.

"We also know that some pupils have found it very difficult to physically distance when moving around school, which could increase the risk of transmission of the virus. And on school transport, as on public transport, there can be mixing between different age groups."

He said guidance to schools will be "explicit" that pupils should not be excluded if they refuse to wear a mask but insisted that it was "obligatory."

John Swinney walking to the Holyrood chamber - Getty Images Europe
John Swinney walking to the Holyrood chamber - Getty Images Europe

But Jo Bisset, Us For Them Scotland's organiser, said: "This is a very disappointing move and parents across Scotland will be angry at this new rule.

"This is also a slippery slope. Today it's over-12s in certain areas of school. But parents are worried that will very easily become all areas of the school, including the classroom."

Mr Greene said: “Parents, pupils and teachers need answers and clarity. They got neither from John Swinney today."

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the country's largest teaching union, welcomed the move as a "sensible and appropriate step" to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

But Larry Flanagan, the general secretary, said Scottish Government guidance needs "a much sharper focus" on maintaining social distancing in schools.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) yesterday said that from Monday visitors to its premises visiting its buildings should wear face coverings when entering and leaving and moving around inside.

They should also wear a covering while waiting in communal areas such as reception points, witness rooms or outside a courtroom.