Use of face coverings to be maintained in secondary schools

Cwm Taf University Health Board have announced that the use of face coverings should be maintained across all secondary schools in the region.

The temporary measure was initially implemented at the beginning of October as cases of coronavirus rose among young people.

Following a review undertaken on 20 October 2021, it was concluded that the use of face coverings should be continued as rates of Covid-19 transmission remain highest in the 10-19 year old age band. This will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

In Bridgend County Borough, secondary schools have been maintaining the use of face coverings as part of their Covid-19 control measures. This means that face coverings are already in use not just in communal areas such as corridors and halls, but also in class rooms. 

Face coverings offer extra protection from infection to pupils and staff, and are already used alongside existing control measures such as regular bi-weekly lateral flow testing.

We welcome and support the extension of this measure and encourage all pupils to ensure they wear their face masks in school.

The use of face coverings is already in place at our schools as part of local control measures and, with cases among young people continuing to rise, wearing a face covering is an effective way of mitigating the risk of spreading Covid-19.

We continue to encourage anyone over the age of 16 who has not yet had their first dose of the vaccine to attend a community vaccination centre. You can walk into any centre without an appointment between 11am and 4.30pm.

Councillor Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration

Meanwhile, vaccines are still being offered to all 12-15 year olds, with the intention that all appointments will be offered by the end of half term.

The vaccination centre is available at Ravens Court in Bridgend town centre (CF31 4AP). You will need to bring along a form of ID such as a passport, drivers licence or a utility bill for proof of address.

Details of other vaccination centres in the region are available on the health board’s website.