Cases of Covid-19 remain high in the city's schools, with latest available figures showing the rate among 10 to 14 year olds standing at 774.4 cases per 100,000, compared to a citywide rate of 345.3 cases per 100,000 over the same 7 day period.
The council first asked secondary schools to reintroduce the requirement for pupils, staff and visitors to wear face coverings in communal areas and on public and school transport back in September, unless individuals are exempt for medical reasons.
Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "Covid-19 infection rates among school aged children, particularly secondary aged pupils, remain considerably higher than in the wider population.
“We need to do everything we can to stop the transmission of the virus and face coverings have an important role to play in this. Therefore the council is recommending that schools continue to ask students, staff and visitors to the city’s secondary schools to wear face coverings in communal areas at least until the Christmas break.
"Secondary pupils, and all school staff, should also continue to take a rapid Covid-19 test twice a week, as this will help identify cases in people without symptoms and help stop the spread of the virus.
"It's also important that 12 to 15 year olds are able to get their Covid-19 vaccination, not only to protect themselves but also the wider community."
For details of rapid testing, for people without symptoms of Covid-19, please visit Coronavirus Testing. Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 is reminded that they must self isolate and book a test by calling 119 or visiting GOV.UK.
For more information about the vaccination programme for 12 to 15 year olds, please visit COVID-19 Vaccination Offer for 12 to 15 year olds.
