Since pupils returned to school after the Christmas holidays, those in Year 7 and above were asked to wear face masks in classrooms – after ministers drew up contingency plans to keep schools open amid fears of widespread teacher absences. 

As of Thursday 20 January, however, neither staff nor pupils will be required to wear face masks in classrooms – a decision that is part of the beginning of the lifting of Plan B restrictions in England.

The Prime Minister told the Commons: “Having looked at the data carefully, the Cabinet concluded that once regulations lapse the Government will no longer mandate the wearing of face masks anywhere.”

He went on to say that as of Jan 20, face masks would no longer be mandatory in classrooms and that the Department for Education would determine the removal of their use in communal areas shortly.

‘Remaining cautious’

The Prime Minister said the Government would set out its “long-term strategy for living with Covid-19”, adding: “Explaining how we hope and intend to protect our liberty and avoid restrictions in future by relying instead on medical advances, especially the vaccines which have already saved so many lives.

“But to make that possible we must all remain cautious during these last weeks of winter. There are still over 16,000 people in hospital in England alone. The pandemic is not over.”

What are the current rules in Wales?

On Jan 14, Mark Drakeford, the Welsh First Minister, said the Covid restrictions in Wales were “necessary and effective”, as he outlined his Government’s own plan to ease measures. 

Rules on outdoor gatherings in Wales were eased from Jan 15, while all outdoor activities will move to alert level zero from Jan 21 and restrictions on indoor activities will ease from Jan 28.

This article has been updated with the latest information, following the news that Boris Johnson has scrapped Covid Plan B restrictions (19 January, 2021)