Nicola Sturgeon has announced the end of face masks in school classrooms.
The rule will be axed from the end of the month, but face coverings will still be required in communal areas of schools.
This is subject to future review and teachers and pupils who wish to continue to wear a face covering in the classroom should be fully supported in doing so.
First Minister said on Tuesday the Government would consider carefully any further advice from a sub-group of experts and confirm a decision as quickly as possible.
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She informed MSPs of the rethink at Holyrood today after recommendations of the sub-group.
Specific mitigations relating to assemblies and transition visits for students who will start primary or secondary in August 2022, will also be eased as February 2.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “In recent weeks I have promised to keep Parliament and school communities updated on mitigations within schools - including the use of face coverings within classrooms.
“I have been clear that we do not want to keep these measures in place for any longer than is necessary, but that we must continue to be led by scientific and expert advice.
“On Tuesday our Advisory Subgroup on Education and Children’s Issues met to discuss a number of issues, including the use of face coverings.
“The group reiterated its previous position that the removal of mitigations in schools should follow a phased approach. It also advised that the next phase could begin after the February half-term break, with the removal of face-coverings in classrooms – for both pupils and staff - on 28 February.
“In arriving at their decision, the Advisory Sub-Group pointed to reducing case rates for secondary-aged pupils, falling hospitalisation rates across all age categories, and the fact that the estimated R rate is below 1 and decreasing. In addition, vaccination rates for young people continue to increase.
“This change represents a further step in allowing our children and young people to return to a more normal school experience after many months of sacrifice.
“We currently expect that face coverings will still be worn outside the classroom, in indoor communal areas of schools, after 28 February. This will be kept under regular review. In addition, anyone who wants to continue wearing a face covering in classrooms will, of course, be supported to do so.”
