Pupils in Preston’s secondary schools will join others across England in wearing face masks in classrooms to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.

The government announced the temporary reintroduction of face coverings as a way to address concerns about schools re-opening for face-to-face learning.

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Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said face coverings would be required until 26 January, when the current national Plan B Covid measures run out.

The BBC reports that Zahawi said education was the “number one priority” for him and the prime minister, and that they would do “everything in our power” to minimise disruption.

Read more: Adult visiting suspended at Royal Preston Hospital due to rise in Omicron cases

Face masks were already recommended for pupils in the other UK nations.

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