Face coverings will not be needed in NI's post-primary classrooms from 21 March.
Post-primary pupils in Northern Ireland will no longer need to wear face coverings in classrooms from 21 March.
Primary pupils do not have to wear a face covering in school but they are encouraged to wear one on school transport. "While the use of face coverings, as part of the suite of in-school mitigations, has undoubtedly been beneficial in reducing the numbers of positive cases in schools, they have disrupted learning by making communication with teaching staff and peers more difficult," she said.
"I have taken into account the views of the Department of Health, trade unions, school staff, the parents who have either spoken or written to me and the young people who I have met in schools and through other avenues.
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