Face masks will no longer be required in school classrooms, the Prime Minister confirmed on Wednesday.
During Prime Minister's questions (PMQ), Boris Johnson announced England's new Plan B restrictions, which included scrapping face masks in secondary school classrooms from tomorrow (Thursday, January 19).
He confirmed that the Department of Education will remove guidance on their use in communal areas "shortly" and said there would "soon be a time" when self-isolation guidance can be removed entirely.
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The news that masks would not be required to be worn before pupils sit their exams starting in May would come as a relief to students across the country.
Speaking about the mask rules in schools Mr Johnson said: "Today's latest ONS data shows infection levels are falling in England and while there are some places where cases are likely to continue rising, including in primary schools, our scientists believe it is likely that the Omicron wave has peaked nationally.
"Having looked at the data carefully, the Cabinet concluded that once regulations lapse the Government will no longer mandate the wearing of face masks anywhere.
"From tomorrow, we will no longer require face masks in classrooms and the Department for Education will shortly remove national guidance on their use in communal areas.
"In the country at large we will continue to suggest the use of face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when you come into contact with people you don't normally meet - but we will trust the judgement of the British people and no longer criminalise anyone who chooses not to wear one."
Masks were reintroduced in secondary schools at the beginning of January this year, in a effort to tackle the rise in Omicron coronavirus cases.
The Government said at the time masks were brought in to "maximise the number of children in school for the maximum amount of time" but stressed they would only be temporary measures.
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