Following the written statement from the Minister for Education this week (Monday), all secondary school learners and staff will be required to wear face coverings indoors where physical distancing is not possible.
Due to the uncertainty of the new Omicron variant and the need to keep learning going, Pembrokeshire County Council has taken the decision to put this Welsh Government Ministerial Decision into effect from today, Wednesday 1st of December.
Cllr Guy Woodham, the Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning said: “Continuing to support learners and staff safety is our top priority.
“Given that there is still much to be learnt about the Omicron variant it is important that do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus and the use of masks in classrooms and communal areas in secondary schools, where physical distancing is not possible, will allow us to support learners continuing in school settings until the end of term.”
Using the local decision making framework for schools locally, the agreed risk level remains high with the following additional mitigating measures remaining in place:
- Floor signage
- Seating plans for lessons, and forward facing desks wherever possible
- Twice weekly Lateral Flow Device testing for all staff and learners in secondary schools
- Masks must be worn in communal areas in secondary schools, by staff in primary schools, and must be worn by visitors
- Deep cleaning where needed in schools
- Face coverings required on school transport
- CO2 Monitors rolled out and used by all schools
Cllr Woodham added: “We thank everyone for playing their part and for your ongoing support during these challenging times.”
