Schools should consider the use of mask or face shields for teachers, parents and older students during the Covid-19 outbreak, according to a major new scientific report published today.
It says these measures should be considered for all adults and older children especially if there is a high rate of transmission of the coronavirus locally or if physical distancing is not possible.
This recommendation - which is at odds with the Department for Education guidance - has been made by the Data Evaluation and Learning for Viral Epidemics (DELVE) group, which advises government scientists.
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Its report, published today, says that although the use of face coverings might not be practical or effective for younger children it should be considered for all adults and older children in schools.
The government’s current guidance is that the use of face coverings is not recommended unless children or staff display symptoms of Covid-19.
The DELVE group, which has been convened by the Royal Society, has produced a report on balancing the risks when reopening schools.
On the question of whether face coverings should be used in schools, it says: “Although its use in younger children may not be practical or effective, emerging evidence suggests that there may be less viral transmission from children to adults and that the dominant mechanism in young children may not be from breathing, coughing or sneezing - its use should be considered for all adults (teachers, non-teaching staff and parents at school) and older children in schools, especially if there is a high rate of viral transmission locally and physical distancing is not possible.”
It said that masks should also be worn on the way to school on public transport - in line with the national guidance.
In May, DELVE produced a report that recommended the use of face masks to reduce onward transmission of Covid-19 where physical distancing is not possible, especially in crowded places.
Today’s report adds: “This is based on the emerging scientific evidence that shows a decrease in the rate of coronavirus infections where mask use is compulsory and its usefulness in limiting how far breath can travel. This advice should not be ruled out for schools.”
The Department for Education has been approached for a comment.
The DELVE report also calls for the government to provide “substantial” extra resources for schools, personal protective equipment for teachers and older children, and prioritising vaccines for children to help ensure schools are able to stay open.
