COVID: Masks in classrooms for no longer than needed, UK education secretary

Secondary students in England, going to classrooms, do not have to wear masks for a day more than necessary. Nadhim Zahawi, the education secretary, made this assertion while defending the need to wear masks amid an omicron surge. 

Ministers, who have learned painful lessons from previous closures are now determined to keep the schools open even as COVID cases rise in the country. Zahawi was also quick to confirm that nothing in recent COVID data warrants additional curbs to be put in place. 

Also Read | Dr Anthony Fauci warns of surge in hospitalisations due to omicron wave

There are already certain rules like all students needing to be tested before they can return to classes. Though there have previously been inconsistencies in supplying rapid tests, assurances have come from ministers that there’ll be a steady flow of kits to schools, as needed. Students have been urged to take the tests twice a week.

For now, students in England’s secondary schools have to keep their masks on till January 26, which is when the Plan B measures are set to expire. These were recommended due to the omicron surge and a survey of 123 schools has shown that wearing masks made a difference in the transmission of the coronavirus. 

Also Read | Experts predict landslide of new COVID-19 cases in the US in early 2022

Speaking to BBC 4, Zahawi said, “The painful lesson we learnt was when children weren’t in school, the impact on their mental health and, of course, their education, was quite substantial.

Which is why I’m so determined, as is the prime minister, to make sure education remains open and children are in the best place when they’re in the classroom, with their friends, learning in front of a teacher.”

Also Read | UK reduces COVID isolation to 7 day period

Currently, the government has set up different supply routes so children get testing kits separately from the rest of the public. The schools have been in the loop since 2021, to help them prepare for testing. 

Also Read | NHS chief warns of increased COVID risk with shorter self-isolation period

While Zahawi didn’t have much to add by way of further restrictions, he said that there’s been a staffing issue due to omicron cases warranting the need for isolation. Thus, all students cannot receive face-to-face education at the moment.