New guidance issued by the Scottish Government
New guidance issued by the Scottish Government today means that, from 31st August, face coverings should be worn:
- in secondary schools, by adults and all pupils moving around the school, such as in corridors and communal areas where physical distancing is difficult to maintain
- on dedicated school transport by all children aged five and over, bringing it into line with guidance for public transport
Individual exemptions may be granted for health reasons, and face coverings will not generally be necessary in the classroom though staff and students can continue to wear them if they wish. More detailed guidance will be available later today (Tues) and the Council will update staff, parents and young people, as well as those operating school transport for pupils, when that is available.
George Smith chairs the Council’s Education and Families Committee: “We take the safety of our young people very seriously, including on school transport, and we will obviously support the Scottish Government’s new guidance and will update everyone concerned as soon as possible.”Ryan Thomson is Chair of the local transport partnership: "ZetTrans is working closely alongside the Council to determine the safest approach for all users of public transport, including school pupils. Their health and safety is paramount in our decision making."