Nicola Sturgeon has said pupils will no longer need to wear face coverings in class from the end of this month.

The First Minister revealed the changes today in the Scottish Parliament

She said: “We do not want to keep these in place any longer than necessary.

“On Tuesday the education advisory subgroup met. It re-iterated that removal should be phased.”

She said the requirement for face coverings in classrooms will be removed from February 28.

Sturgeon added: “This change will reduce barriers to communication in classrooms.”

She said if pupils still want to wear a mask after the change, they can.

She added: “Any young person or staff member who wishes to still wear a face covering should be fully supported in doing so.”

She said it will still be required to wear face coverings in communal areas outside classrooms after February 28.