‘Stalling’ Sturgeon urged to announce mask decision

NICOLA Sturgeon has been urged to stop ‘stalling’ on a decision to end the mandatory wearing of masks in class for secondary school pupils.

The Scottish Conservatives have called for a statement from the First Minister before youngsters return to school following the October break.

Earlier this week it emerged experts had advised ministers that face coverings should be ditched in classrooms, with pupils only required to wear them when moving about.

A draft document revealed the advice following a meeting of the Covid Education Recovery Group. Ministers were expected to publish official guidance this week, but it has yet to appear.

Scots Tory education spokesman Oliver Mundell said: ‘The SNP’s stalling on their announcement of changes to Covid mitigations is leaving schools in the dark.

‘The advisory sub-group made the decision over a week ago... By failing to make an announcement, the SNP are once again treating pupils and schools as an afterthought.’

Mr Mundell added: ‘With many schools set to return on Monday pupils and parents have no idea what these changes will mean to them.’