SCHOOLS in Dorset have taken a mixed approach to the relaxation of face mask rules in classrooms and corridors - with some opting to keep them in place despite them no longer being required by the government.

A large-scale relaxation of Covid regulations in England came into force yesterday, with the wearing of face masks no longer mandated, Covid passes scrapped and guidance for working from home ended.

However the changes to rules on face coverings in schools came into effect a week earlier, on January 21.

Despite masks no longer being compulsory, some said they would still be encouraging pupils and staff to wear them.

Westfield Arts College in Weymouth, which supports students with special educational needs, said it is taking a “common sense” approach to the Covid situation.

Read More: Monkey World offering half price tickets at half term

Read More: New Covid rule for hospital visitors in Dorset

Seán Kretz, Headteacher at special school Westfield Arts College said: “Whilst it’s no longer recommended by the Government, we will continue to adopt a common sense and cautious approach.

“We are still seeing a number of Covid-19 cases in both staff and pupils, and clearly face coverings have been a protective measure for close contacts.

“We will continue to wear face coverings in communal areas for now, and if there are classes which have been affected by cases it is sensible to continue to encourage the wearing of face coverings.

“Anyone who wishes to continue to wear a face covering can do so. Our pupils have been really sensible with this throughout the pandemic.

“We understand that some find it very difficult to wear a face covering and some are exempt, and we fully support this.”

David Herbert CEO at Aspirations Academies Trust, which oversees Budmouth Academy in Weymouth and Atlantic Academy on Portland, said: ''We have followed the Government's guidance from the start and will continue to do so following the latest announcement.

''We will now be advising our students that masks are no longer a government recommendation in classrooms from Thursday 21. The recommendation that face coverings be worn in communal areas will also no longer apply as of next Thursday (27).''

Public bodies in Dorset have also advised people take a cautious approach to rules relaxing.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said: “Although the government has announced the easing of Plan B measures, it’s important to remember that we’re still living with Covid-19 – the virus hasn’t gone away.

“Though infection levels have fallen, case rates remain high locally. There are still lots of people across Dorset catching COVID-19 every day and becoming unwell.

“We should still keep doing anything we can to prevent transmission of the virus. Remember that health and care services are still extremely busy so we need to do all we can to protect essential frontline services, as well as our friends and loved ones.

“It’s still sensible to wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces where you’re coming into contact with other people.”

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830999

e: kayleigh.heckford

@newsquest.co.uk

twitter: @kaheckford