HOLMES Chapel Comprehensive School may return to wearing face coverings in all indoor spaces as local coronavirus infection rates rise.

The school’s new headteacher, Nigel Bielby, said the change may take place at the school’s next review on the wearing of face coverings.

He said: “Obviously the mood of the nation has changed considerably since July in relation to wearing face coverings.

“At our last review we stepped down the compulsory wearing of face coverings in classrooms. At the moment compliance in corridors is improving day by day, which is good.

“We are aware that local infection rates are rising, and we may therefore at our next review change back to wearing face coverings in all indoor spaces.

“A growing number of parents have been asking us to consider this.

“For now, we need to focus on reminding children to put their face coverings on around school, and to keep them on during the trip to and from school.”

He said the school had confidence in its internal trace and track procedures.

He added: “We have a register of all staff and students who are absent from school with Covid-like symptoms, and a robust system of tracing those who have been in close contact or have been in the same classroom as someone with possible symptoms.

“We are running this process in the background so we are always in a position to act quickly should we get a positive case.

“If that were to happen we would always take the best advice and contact parents and students directly if they are at risk.”

If any student or member of their family displays symptoms of Covid, high temperature, sudden and persistent cough or change to sense of taste or smell, they are asked stay at home and email Nocv19@hccs.info.

The school welcomed all pupils back on September 7, and Mr Bielby thanked everyone for helping students get back on track with their learning as quickly as and safely as possible.