Regular Covid tests, face coverings in communal areas and one-way systems are among the measures in place at Devon's schools and colleges as pupils return to the classroom.

Devon, and the rest of the South West, is a designated 'enhanced response area' because of the relatively high number of Covid cases, meaning local authorities have more flexibility to introduce additional public health measures.

Although cases have been falling in recent weeks, there's expected to be a rise among school and college aged people.

Secondary schools and colleges are asking pupils to take two in-school assisted lateral flow tests, days apart, from the start of term, and then to take the tests at home twice a week.

Pupils and students are currently required to wear face coverings when on school grounds and in communal areas, such as corridors and other shared spaces, and on public transport including dedicated school transport. This measure will be reviewed in two weeks' time.

No more 'bubble groups' in Devon's schools

Steve Brown, Devon's Director of Public Health Devon, said: "Most parents, myself included, will be seeing our children off to school and college this week.

"Schools and colleges have worked hard over the holidays to prepare for the safe return to the classroom, with coronavirus still in our communities.

"For those starting new schools, there will be new routines to get used to, and for older year groups, there will be measures in place that they will recognise.

"One-way systems, and routes around school or college to aid social distancing will be in place in many schools. And a requirement for schools and colleges to maintain good ventilation will mean windows and doors should be left ajar to encourage fresh air flow.

"The government no longer requires schools or colleges to adopt 'bubble groups', nor are schools responsible now for tracing close contacts of pupils who test positive for coronavirus – that task is now the responsibility of the national Test and Trace teams.

"Public health teams are working closely with schools and colleges and we are monitoring the situation carefully.

A predicted rise in cases as schools reopen

Mr Brown continued: "Coronavirus cases have been falling in recent weeks across the county, but because schools and colleges are a good barometer of what's happening in their local communities, the expectation is that we are likely to see a rise in cases among school and college-aged people, even among those in sixth form or college who may now have had their vaccination.

"Face coverings in communal area are required, albeit it optional for pupils in the classroom. We will review this measure in two weeks, and will make a decision whether to continue that, or whether additional face covering measures are required, depending on the data.

"By monitoring the data closely, we will also be able to advise schools and colleges on any additional measures required to reduce the risk of spread within the classroom."