Boris may have scrapped masks in class, but schools aren't ready to get rid of them just yet

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The sudden announcement that masks would no longer be required in secondary schools from today came as somewhat of a shock to education leaders.

As part of the government's ending of Plan B restrictions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Commons on Wednesday afternoon that from Thursday, face coverings would no longer be needed in classrooms - and in a week's time they won't be needed in communal areas either.

But as with most changes that have happened throughout the pandemic, the move has proved somewhat controversial. While some parents and campaigners have welcomed the decision, saying students should never have been made to wear them in the first place, others - including teaching unions - feel that case numbers in schools are still too high and it's therefore too soon to lift the restriction.

And ultimately, while the PM can stand up and say masks are no more, it's not where it ends. Because when schools and local health leaders still have concerns over infection rates in their areas, they can still recommend that masks be worn - and that's not going down well with some parents.