SCOTTISH Borders Council has issued face mask guidance for all high school pupils.

Face masks will become mandatory for secondary school students when moving around and when in communal areas from Monday.

Masks are also mandatory for children aged five or older when using dedicated school transport. 

A letter, sent to the parents of school children by the local authority, reads: “Face coverings will not generally be necessary in the classroom as there is greater scope for physical distancing and face coverings can have an impact on learning and teaching.

“However, it remains the case that where adults cannot keep two metre distance and are interacting face-to-face for a sustained period (about 15 minutes or more) face coverings should be worn. In addition, staff and students can continue to wear face coverings in any classroom if they wish to.

“Scottish Borders Council has carefully planned the return of pupils to our schools using all guidance provided by the Scottish Government. 

“This latest update from the Government is based on the latest scientific and public health advice and we will be putting it in place across our schools.

“Please ensure your child wears a face covering while moving around the school campus, if they attend a secondary school, and at all times on school transport (if aged five and over) if they travel to and from school on a bus, coach or taxi.”

Parents have also been asked to make sure masks cover the nose, mouth and chin, and to wash reusable face masks every day in 60 degree centigrade or boiling water.

The council has not provided any guidance on the styles of masks which will be permitted, indicating there are no uniform restrictions, but individual schools may wish to set their own style guidelines.