Face masks in classrooms set to remain

The Scottish Government has decided to maintain the current level of coronavirus restrictions, including keeping face masks in classrooms, after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned that “the NHS remains under acute pressure”.

Giving an update to the Scottish Parliament, Sturgeon said that the decline in cases in the first three weeks of January is now reflected in a fall in the number of people being admitted to hospital.

In the week to 21 January, 768 patients with Covid were admitted. In the following week, this was down to 602.

Hospital occupancy has also fallen. This time last week, 1,394 patients with Covid were in hospital, but today, it is 1,177.

Sturgeon said that as a result of the pressure on the NHS, the current level of restrictions on Scotland would be maintained at least for the next three weeks.

Sturgeon said: “The NHS remains under acute pressure. As I reported a moment ago, the number of people in hospital with COVID is falling – but it is still double what it was just before Christmas.

“As I also reported earlier, the recent fall in cases is now levelling off.

“And, of course, as often happens, when protective measures that have stemmed transmission are lifted, cases may start to rise again, exacerbating the already significant pressure on the NHS.

“This is why Cabinet took the decision this morning to retain for at least a further three weeks, the current baseline measures.

“These are the Covid certification scheme, and the following requirements: to collect customer contact details in settings such as hospitality; to wear face coverings in many indoor public places; and for businesses and service providers to have regard to guidance and take all reasonably practicable steps to minimise the incidence and spread of infection on their premises.”

Sturgeon also confirmed that despite the decline in cases, school pupils will still be required to wear face masks in classrooms.

However, some restrictions on bubbles within schools will be eased.

Sturgeon said: “I also want to report that the Advisory Subgroup on Education met last week to review Covid measures in schools and early learning and childcare settings.

“I can confirm that in light of its recommendations, revised guidance is being published today, which effectively returns schools and early years settings to the situation before the emergence of Omicron.

“The revised guidance eases requirements for bubbles or groupings within schools, and is less restrictive in its advice on visitors to school and school trips.  

“The sub-group also considered the issue of face coverings.

“It concluded that although we may be close to the time when face coverings no longer need to be worn in the class room assuming current trends continue, we have not yet reached that stage.”

The requirement for pupils to wear face masks in classrooms will be reassessed on Monday 8 February.