The DfE has updated two of its guidance documents in light of the government's announcements concerning local COVID-19 alert levels and tiers of restriction.

The first of the relevant guidance to be updated is DfE's guidance “Face Coverings in Education”. This applies to schools and other education institutions that teach years 7 and above and has been updated to include reference to circumstances where the transmission of the virus is defined as either high or very high under the local COVID-19 alert level framework. Where this is the case, face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils when moving indoors, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to achieve.

In addition, the DfE has updated its guidance called “Actions for Early Years and Childcare Providers during the Coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak”. This has been amended to reflect the alert levels and tiers of restriction. It has updated information on dealing with staff who are clinically vulnerable and children who are shielding.

The guidance documents apply to England only.