THE Scottish Government has announced that schoolchildren will be required to continue to wear face coverings when they return from the October break.

In order to allow time for more 12-15-year-olds to get their vaccinations, a more careful approach has been adopted.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “In recent weeks we have seen the previous sharp decline in Covid-19 case numbers starting to level off, and that is why we have decided to adopt a cautious approach and maintain safety mitigations in school for the time being."

Following this announcement, children and staff will be obligated to wear face coverings on school grounds at communal areas, which includes classrooms, even when sitting down.

Ms Somerville added: "While I fully understand that this will be disappointing news for some young people and their parents, as has been the situation throughout, the safety of children, young people, and all education staff, remains the overriding priority."

Some secondary school teachers, staff and parents are uniting against the mask-wearing rule to protect the 'human rights and wellbeing' of pupils.

Stand By Me Scotland (SBMS), a grassroots campaign group are urging the Scottish Government to drop the current restriction.

The spokesperson for the organisation said: "Wearing a mask for up to six hours a day is not just a mere discomfort - it is harmful to teaching and learning, and the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff."

Amongst the campaigners is a Glasgow-based secondary school teacher, who wished to remain anonymous: "Headaches and mouth sores are at epidemic levels, masks make it impossible to hear students in class.

"Likewise, it is impossible to teach and project one’s own voice across a classroom with a mask on."

However, NASUWT - The Teachers’ Union embraces the continuation of the restrictions.

Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT - The Teachers’ Union said: "We welcome the Scottish Government's decision to continue existing health and safety mitigations in schools.

"Regrettably, speculation on this matter over the past week has been unhelpful and caused unnecessary stress and anxiety to many teachers. It is essential that caution continues to be exercised at this time."

Mike Corbett, NASUWT National Official Scotland added: "In some council areas in Scotland, cases are on the increase again.

"This makes the decision to exercise caution on removing any health and safety mitigations a sensible one."