Secondary school pupils in NI asked to wear face coverings in corridors

Peter Weir said the updated guidance follows further advice from both the chief medical officer and the Chief Scientific Advisor at Stormont.

“My key priority is that pupils return to school on a full-time basis, as soon as it is safe to do so,” he said.

“I am recommending that pupils and teachers wear a face covering in corridors and other communal areas of post-primary schools from next week when schools return full-time.

“Given the risk mitigations in place in schools to limit and contain the spread of Covid-19, face coverings are not recommended as being compulsory for routine use in education settings. However, staff and pupils may wish to use them during the routine school day and this is acceptable. Schools should also be aware that some persons (including some children) are exempt from wearing face coverings.”

Mr Weir said the new guidance “is not a replacement for frequent hand washing, social distancing where possible ... and regular cleaning of surfaces,” and added: “It is also important to remember that evidence suggests that the risk of transmission in schools is relatively low compared to some other settings.”