Face coverings in schools; how to make it work -Download the documentation Face coverings in school
Denbighshire County Council statement:
“In light of the recent announcement, and advice received by the Welsh Government Chief Medical Officer, we strongly recommend the use of face coverings where social distancing cannot be maintained in communal areas in secondary schools. Students/pupils and staff will need to wear a face covering when moving through shared indoor areas of the school where it is difficult to adhere to social distancing measures. This includes corridors, stairways and as previously stated on designated home to school transport. Face coverings will not be required outside or in classrooms.”
Decision taken by the Denbighshire County Council:
- All students/pupils should wear a face covering when accessing school transport.
Corridors and shared areas:
- We have introduced control mechanisms such as one way systems, single file and having teachers move around the school rather than pupils to reduce the number of people on the corridors. However, due to the potential of crowding and the unavoidable mixing of cohort group we advise that students/pupils and staff wear face covering in the corridors.
Classrooms:
- Control mechanisms such as hand sanitising, cleaning of surfaces, no shared materials and all desks facing the one direction are already in place to minimise the spread of the virus. There is no requirement for students/pupils and staff to wear face coverings in the classroom, however they may choose to do so.
Laboratories or other specialist settings:
- Face coverings may represent an additional fire of toxicity risk and therefore face coverings are not recommended.
Sport/dance/exercise:
Face coverings are not recommended whilst undertaking physical exercise.
In the diner:
- Face coverings are not practical during eating, however, students/pupils and staff should wear a face covering whilst they queue to enter the diner.
Frequently asked questions:
What is a face covering?
A face covering principally acts to protect others by reducing airborne transmission of COVID-19. It does not protect the wearer from infection from others.
What is Denbighshire’s policy on face coverings?
The evidence remains clear that the most effective way to protect yourself and others from infection is to follow social distancing rules, avoid touching surfaces and your face, and wash your hands regularly. Face coverings are not a substitute for these measures, but in some circumstances where it might be difficult to stay 2 metre away from others, we are advising Face coverings in schools; how to make it work
the use of three-layer, non-medical face coverings. Students/pupils and staff should wear a face covering on school transport and in communal areas.
What kind of face covering should students/pupils and staff wear?
To provide any protection to others, face coverings need to be made, worn, handled and disposed of in a certain way. Unfortunately, many of the home made masks being worn offer little protection to the wearer or those around them. The World Health Organisation recommends a minimum of three layers in a face covering.
How should students/pupils use their face covering?
- Watch this video from the World Health Organisation with your child so they know how to wear their face covering safely. They will also be shown this video on class. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tv2BVN_WTk
- Face covering needs to be appropriate and cover their nose and mouth when they’re wearing it.
- Students/pupil should not touch the front of the face covering or the part that’s touched their mouth or nose.
- If the face mask becomes damp, students/pupils shouldn’t wear it, and they should replace it carefully.
How should I care for my reusable face covering?
- If you are using a reusable face covering, store it in a plastic bag until you can wash it.
- Wash it in line with manufacturer’s instructions at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric. You can use your normal detergent and you can wash and dry it with other laundry.
- Do not give it to someone else to use.
- You must throw away your face covering if it is damaged.
- Make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched using normal household cleaning products.
How can face coverings be disposed of responsibly?
- Remove the face covering carefully – do not touch the front of the face covering or the part which has been in contact with your mouth and nose.
- Place your face covering in a COVID litter bin or take it home in a plastic bag/school bag.
- Do not put single use face coverings in recycling bins as they can’t be recycled.
- You do not need to put them in an extra bag or store them for a time before throwing them away.
- Please remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser immediately after removing your face covering and throwing it away.
What if my child forgets their face covering?
- We’ll have a small supply of spares available at school.
- To be safe in the knowledge that everyone has one, please make sure your child has their own so that we can keep our supply of spares for emergencies.
Content is accurate and up to date, however is subject to change depending on Welsh Government and/or DCC directives. We will notify you of any changes via our social media.