Face coverings 'expected' in schools as classes disrupted

Education minister says message needs to be stronger

The education minister says face coverings in Island schools are now 'expected' not just 'recommended'.

It's as schools around the Island face an increase of staff and student absence due to the spread of Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Next week Ballakermeen High School is asking year 10 students to stay at home on Monday and Tuesday and year nine from Wednesday until Friday.

Dr Alex Allinson admits the message around mitigations now needs to be stronger: