Secondary school pupils in Powys are being urged by the county council to wear face coverings indoors, where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Pupils aged 11 to 16 are "strongly recommended" by Powys County Council to wear face masks to keep staff and learners safe from the coronavirus.

The use of face coverings does not apply to primary-aged pupils or those pupils who are exempt for medical or personal reasons.

“Covid-19 has thrown up a series of unprecedented challenges as we work to ensure that schools are safe when pupils return after the summer holidays," Cabinet member for education Cllr Phyl Davies said.

“Our priority is the safety of our learners and school staff and that is why we are strongly recommending secondary school pupils wear face coverings in their school if social distancing cannot be maintained. We believe that this approach will help keep everyone as safe as possible.

“For our learners with health conditions or have additional learning needs and cannot sustain the wearing of face coverings, will we work with schools and consider ways to ensure that they are supported when they return.

“This decision will be subject to regular review, but for now we hope that this gives learners, parents and staff the assurances that they need in order get back to school as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Powys County Council says secondary schools will support children entitled to free school meals to ensure that they have access to appropriate face coverings.