Secondary teachers and pupils will have to wear face coverings

Secondary School students and their teachers will have to wear a face covering when schools return in September.

The Minister for Education has issued updated guidelines this evening.

She says the new rule will apply in cases where the 2 metre social distancing rule cannot be adhered to.

102 million euro in funding has been issued to schools so far to cover the cost of minor works to create more space in classrooms and to install handwashing stations.