Secondary school pupils may be required to wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas, the First Minister announced. 

The Education Secretary is in the "final stages" of consultation on the recommendation which may be issued to school pupils and staff.

It comes as a number of schools across Scotland have been hit by cases of Covid-19, but also updated guidance by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

Nicola Sturgeon revealed that Scotland's rules "would go beyond" the guidance of the WHO.

The WHO issued updated guidance this weekend stating that face coverings should be recommended for children over the age of 12 in schools. 

The First Minister said in today's briefing: "I said last we week we here in Scotland were looking closely at this issue and taking advice from our expert advisory group. 

"By way of update, today I can confirm that the Education Secretary is in the final stages of consulting with teachers and local authorities on a recommendation for the use of face coverings by staff and pupils in secondary schools when they are moving around in corridors and communal area.

A date for when the new guidance may come in place as not yet been announced. 

She added: “We’re consulting on this specific measure because, firstly, mixing between different groups is more likely in corridors and communal areas – increasing the potential for transmission.

“Secondly, crowding and close contact in these areas is more likely and voices could be raised, resulting in greater potential for creating aerosol transmission.

“Finally, there’s also less scope for ventilation in these areas.”

Ms Sturgeon said the best way to ensure safety in schools is keeping transmission rules by following existing coronavirus guidance.