STAFF and pupils at secondary schools in Gwent who are not exempt will once again have to wear face coverings after half term as Covid rates rise, according to a letter seen by the Argus.

An email sent to parents of pupils at a Newport secondary school says the Gwent Incident Management Team has ruled that all schools in the region will move to the ‘very high’ risk level outlined by the infection control decision framework for schools.

Face coverings will be mandatory for staff and secondary pupils except for exempt individuals in all indoor settings - including classrooms.

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Twice weekly lateral flow tests will be made available to all staff and secondary school pupils.

Social distancing will be implemented with as few close interactions between staff and pupils as possible.

The changes will come into force on the first day back from half term.

The letter explains the reasons for moving into this level of risk are the high community incidence rates, the subsequent pressure on the Test, Trace and Protect Service locally, the impact upon education, and the pressure in the health and social care system.

Some schools have been operating at a 'high' level of risk for some time, but the increase in risk level reflects how conditions in the region have worsened.

Lately, schools in the region have had to revert to remote learning for certain year groups because of staff shortages due to Covid.

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