THE Education Secretary has insisted that the UK Government is following the "best scientific and medical advice" after announcing a U-turn on guidance in England for face coverings in schools.

Gavin Williamson said an "extra precautionary measure" had been put in place with the updated guidance - issued last night - which says face coverings should be worn in communal areas of schools in local lockdown areas.

It followed pressure from teaching unions, which urged clarity before pupils return to school next week, and an announcement from Scotland that all secondary pupils there will be required to wear masks in between lessons.

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On Monday, England's deputy chief medical officer, Jenny Harries, said the evidence on whether children over 12 should wear masks in schools was "not strong".

Williamson later reiterated that masks were not required due to extra measures being adopted by schools, while a Number 10 spokesman said there were no plans to review the guidance.

When asked what had changed, Mr Williamson told Sky News today: "We always follow and listen to the best scientific and medical advice, and that's why we're not recommending that face coverings should be mandatory right across the country in all schools.

"The best scientific and medical advice says that that isn't necessary."

Pressed on whether the UK Government had followed Scotland into the decision, he said: "As you highlighted, what Jenny did highlight, was that we shouldn't be bringing mandatory face coverings in communal areas right across the country into every secondary school.

"And that's not what we're doing, but we are recognising the fact that there are certain areas of the country where there's a high instance of, or higher instance, of coronavirus, that we're taking an extra precautionary measure."

Williamson said the UK Government is following recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which advised that masks should be worn by children over the age of 12.

Guidance published today says that in local lockdown areas, and in schools with students in Year 7 and above, face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils in corridors and communal spaces.

Coronavirus restrictions remain in place in areas of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire, Leicester, Luton and Northampton.