Coronavirus: Face masks become compulsory in secondary school corridors in England under lockdown rules

Union boss says move is ‘sensible response to rising Covid levels’

Pupils in secondary schools in England must wear face masks when moving around school from Thursday (AFP via Getty Images)

Secondary school students in England must wear face masks in corridors and communal areas under new lockdown rules.

This was already the case for those in areas who fell under Tier 2 and Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions. 

However, the rule will apply to all secondary schools across the country from Thursday after England moves into a national lockdown over the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In new guidance, the government said students and adults must wear face masks when moving around schools where  pupils aged Year 7 and above are taught. 

In this case, face coverings must be worn “outside of classrooms, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing cannot easily be maintained”.

The new rules were set out in guidance published by the Department for Education on Wednesday - the day before England’s second lockdown was due to come into force. 

Speaking about the changes, Geoff Barton from the Association for School and College Leaders (ASCL) said: “This extension to the rule on face coverings is a sensible response to rising Covid levels, and will act as an extra level of protection on top of the other safety measures in schools.”

The union’s general secretary added: “It is vital that this requirement is respected by all parents and pupils.”

It come days after Scotland told senior pupils they must wear face masks in classrooms if their school is in a high risk area.

Face coverings were made compulsory for Scottish secondary school pupils in communal areas and corridors around two months ago. 

The changes for England are covered in guidance over new lockdown measures and educational settings, which also says staff who are clinically vulnerable “are advised to work from home and not to go into work”. 

The government has said schools, colleges and universities must remain open during England’s new lockdown, which will start on Thursday and run until the start of December.