Here's what you had to say about mask wearing in Cumbrian schools

The new rules mean secondary school pupils must wear face masks in classrooms again.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi acknowledged the new Omicron variant 'presents challenges', but said the Government is taking steps to 'bolster our support for schools' in an effort to minimise disruption when students return to their desks after the Christmas break.

Here's what you had to say.

Mark Teasdale said: "This mask wearing might just be for a few weeks,just go with the flow until these figures die down. I've worn a mask right through this, they are not pleasant, especially when you are running around getting hot and among a lot of people, although this is a big I do think they help."

Jane Fitzsimons said: "Not my son. I Don't know why a parent would say it's ok. Exempt them.

Are you wearing a mask 8 hours a day. These a kids, 'a few weeks' I think I have heard that before, most kids have had Covid."

Mark Teasdale Replied: "Yes I’m wearing mask all of my shift, it's not pleasant, I know they are kids and difficult, but it’s all about protecting each other, and I am hoping this will be done by spring."

Gayle Faragher said: "Couldn't agree more even if they just help a little bit it's better than nothing."

The return for students in England's classrooms comes after having already been recommended in communal areas for older students and staff.

But the supply of 7,000 new air purifiers for areas of schools where good ventilation is difficult has been branded 'completely inadequate' by NEU teaching union joint general secretary Dr Mary Bousted, who said that with "over 300,000 classrooms in England [the Government has] failed to provide an effective solution."

NEU's Cumbria District Secretary Chris Brooksbank said he thought the new rules were good, but are coming in a bit too late.

He added: "I think that the majority of teachers would think there's not been enough support for schools, it's been mixed up and confused."