Warning over "malicious coughing" ahead of schools return

Students to head back to school for new academic year

The education minister says the Island's schools will take tough action against pupils for "malicious coughing" or inappropriate comments about Covid-19.

It's as thousands of Island pupils are to head back to classes next week for the new academic year.

Dr Alex Allinson says good hygiene and discipline will be top of the agenda when students return.

He's warning strict measures are in place should people step out-of-line: 

School attendance is once again mandatory for Manx students, following the coronavirus pandemic and disruption to education.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture has sent out the message that attendance is compulsory after it had been voluntary over the lockdown, due to the risk of infection.

However now the DESC Minister Dr Alex Allinson says current evidence shows "infections and outbreaks are uncommon across all educational settings".

He add it's not only important for young people's learning to return to school, but for their mental wellbeing too.

Schools will once again be able to issue sanctions or even fines when children don't attend school without a valid reason.