Covid: Wales' school face mask rules could be scrapped

Wales is "actively" considering whether or not to remove rules stipulating secondary pupils must wear masks at school, a senior doctor has said.

In England, face masks will no longer be required in schools from 17 May.

The current rule in Wales is that face coverings should be worn in all areas, including the classroom.

The children's commissioner says they make some pupils feel safer but others are struggling to communicate and experience skin problems.

Dr Giri Shankar, from Public Health Wales (PHW), said the country's technical advisory group was considering dropping the rules.

"This issue is under active consideration in Wales and colleagues are collating all evidence, including the input of Public Health Wales," he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"Therefore we'll be able to make an informed assessment of whether we can move to non-use of face coverings in schools straight away or so we need more evidence."

Dr Shankar, incident director for the Covid outbreak response at PHW, added the issue would be approached with caution, especially as it involved an unvaccinated group.

"The school-age population have still not been vaccinated and are at risk of catching and spreading coronavirus, and we have to consider all possible measures that can still remain in place that can protect such cohorts of people.

"It is because of the careful and cautious way we've approached this we are able to reach and sustain these low levels... and we have to guard against the emergence of new variants."

Prof Eithne Hughes, director for the Association of School and College Leaders Wales union, said it is difficult for young learners to communicate while wearing face masks.

"The whole business of communication isn't just hearing somebody, it's about seeing their mouths and facial expression.

"The profession has absorbed this and taken it as other form of keeping everybody safe.

"I think it will be difficult unless there is strong science that supports the removal of face coverings as mitigations within a school setting. I think that's the only thing that will persuade people that is it safe."

Sally Holland, Wales' Children's Commissioner, said: "While a few young people have said they feel safer wearing a mask in the classroom, and others say they accept it because they are keen to be in school even with restrictions, many others have raised with me difficulties they experience.

"This includes feeling discomfort, difficulties communicating, skin problems and steaming up of glasses.

"The government has assured me that the advice to wear face coverings in classrooms will be removed when advised by health experts."

Pupils have been required to wear masks in all areas except the classroom since November, and these rules were expanded to include the classroom as children returned to school following the Christmas break.

The Welsh government is due to announce the results of the latest lockdown review on Friday.