Opening windows ‘much more effective’ than face masks in primary school - Semple

A scientific adviser to the UK Government has said he is “not a fan” of asking young children to wear masks

A Government scientific adviser has said keeping windows open and improving ventilation in schools is much more effective at reducing coronavirus transmission than asking young children to wear face masks (Jane Barlow/PA)

Keeping windows open and improving ventilation in schools is much more effective at reducing coronavirus transmission than asking young children to wear face masks, a scientific adviser to the UK Government has said.

Professor Calum Semple, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that he is “not a fan” of asking young children to wear masks, and there are better strategies for managing the virus.