Youngsters attending secondary schools in Scotland will no longer have to wear a face covering while in class.
The new rule takes effect from today in a move the Scottish Government's education secretary hailed as a "positive milestone".
Staff and pupils have been forced to wear masks at all times during lessons - meaning they spent more time wearing them than most adults.
Pupils will still be expected to wear them while walking along school corridors between classes under the new rules.
Opposition parties have repeatedly called for the mask requirement in class to be scrapped - but SNP ministers insisted it was needed due to the high prevalence of covid cases among young people.
Education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said any pupil or teacher who wished to continue wearing a mask could do so.
"The last two years have been really tough for our children and young people," she said.
"Teachers and support staff have also had to operate in a challenging environment, but all have worked incredibly hard to deliver a quality learning experience for pupils.
"The removal of the requirement to wear face coverings in classrooms is a positive milestone - it signals the possibility of a brighter future where schools can regain some normality. And of course, pupils and staff who continue to choose to wear face coverings in class will be supported in doing so.
"We must not to forget that COVID-19 has not gone away - we all still need to be on our guard and exercise caution. Pupils and staff must still wear face coverings in communal areas and distancing rules still apply."
The minister added: "The last thing I want it to have measures in place for a minute longer than is necessary, but as we have done throughout this pandemic, we will continue to be guided by scientific and expert advice.”
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