Pupils at secondary schools in Newport should wear face coverings in communal areas, but only where social distancing cannot be maintained over prolonged periods of time, the city council has said.
It does not mean every pupil will have to wear face coverings but it will be determined by each school following a risk assessment.
Newport City Council says it has made the decision in line with Welsh Government guidance and following discussions with head teachers.
Pupils who are not in communal areas for prolonged periods of time will not be required to wear face coverings.
Every city school has completed a Covid-19 specific assessment aimed at minimising the amount of time pupils need to be outside their contact groups with measures such as using one classroom or staggering changeovers.
Councillor Gail Giles, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “It is important to note the council is not directing all secondary age pupils to wear face coverings when they are in school.
“This is about taking extra care if they are together in communal areas for some time.
“We would encourage parents and carers to provide resuable, washable face coverings if possible. Each school will advise their parents and carers whether they are required.
“The most important advice to everyone to prevent infection remains good hand and surface hygiene and social distancing by adults. In schools, they will also be maintaining separate cohorts of children and staff.
“Infection rates are currently quite low and we can help that to continue by following these precautions for our own and other people’s safety.”
The council is providing schools with health and safety advice and support as they consider whether face coverings will be required when pupils return on a full-time basis.
It will also advise on the quality, fit and safe use of face coverings and will provide schools with a supply of face coverings to cover situations where pupils may not have their own.
For any school where face coverings are required in communal areas, the head teacher will give advance notification to families.
They will also have time to consider which pupils will be exempt from wearing face-coverings and ensure they are kept safe at all times.
The use of face coverings in secondary schools will remain under review as the pandemic continues and advice may change depending on infection rates.
