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Face masks no longer required in university lecture halls

   

Removal of Omicron restrictions announced by government

Staff and students in England’s universities are no longer required to wear face coverings in lectures, the government has said.

Earlier this month, ministers said all students and staff—along with adult visitors—should wear masks when moving around university premises, as well as in places such as lecture halls and laboratories.

But on 19 January, prime minister ​​Boris Johnson announced the end of all Covid measures that had been introduced to combat the Omicron variant of Covid-19, including an immediate end to those relating to the wearing of masks in teaching settings.

From 27 January, face coverings will no longer be advised for use in communal areas too—although the government said higher education providers “may still choose to use them voluntarily”.

Guidance that advises staff to work from home will also be rescinded from this date.