UK government changes its mind on masks
Published:
2020-08-27 22:21:06 BdST
Update:
2024-05-21 18:10:56 BdST
International Live: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday sought to reassure pupils about the risks of going back to school, after a policy reversal on facemasks sparked fresh questions about the government’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
The government backtracked on its insistence that students in England should not have to cover their nose and mouth when they return to class from next week, amid concern about a rise in new infections.
The change is being seen as another policy U-turn, just weeks after ministers were forced to scrap the use of an algorithm which gave 17- and 18-year-olds lower-than-expected exam grades.
On a visit to a school in central England, Johnson thanked students for enduring months at home because of the outbreak, which he said had helped the country get the disease under control.
The new guidance advises secondary school students aged 11-18 and staff to wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas, in places with local coronavirus restrictions.
Teaching unions had called for the UK government, which is responsible for education in England, to follow Scotland, which has a separate education system, and already requires pupils to cover up between lessons.
But while welcoming the change, critics including the main opposition Labour party said ministers had shirked their responsibility by leaving enforcement to individual schools.
Ministers were accused of not reacting quickly enough, failing to ensure enough protective equipment for frontline health and social care workers, and over the testing regime.
London reversed policy on the wearing of facemasks in shops in England after initially saying they were not necessary, and was forced to backtrack on a planned reopening of primary schools in July.
Older students in Northern Ireland will be asked to wear face coverings outside classrooms from next week. The Welsh Assembly in Cardiff is due to make its decision on Wednesday.
Dhaka, 27 August (campuslive24.com)//MI
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