Boris Johnson abandons advice for children not to wear face masks in schools

Boris Johnson has abandoned advice that England’s pupils should not wear face masks in secondary schools amid growing pressure from headteachers.

Confirmation of the U-turn came on Tuesday night after the Prime Minister said the Government would “look at the changing medical evidence”.

Face coverings will now be mandatory for children in all schools that lie in areas subject to stricter Covid-19 restrictions.

The Department for Education said the climbdown was due to a change in the World Health Organisation's (WHO) guidance.

WHO issued new advice last Friday, saying children aged 12 and over should wear face coverings under the same conditions as adults.

It comes after Scottish pupils were told to put on masks in corridors and the Welsh government said it would review whether children should wear face coverings in schools.

Scores of headteachers broke ranks earlier to urge their use.

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