Face masks are being made compulsory in corridors and public areas at Coalville's Stephenson College from Monday (21 Sept).

The new policy follows an unknown number of students at the campus being told to self-isolate until Tuesday (22 Sept) after one employee and one pupil within the SMB Group tested positive for coronavirus.

An update from the SMB Group - comprising Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College - says: "The SMB Group reviews its COVID Risk Assessment on a regular basis and in consideration of the recent changes in the infection rate, both locally and nationally, we have decided to change our policy on the use of face covering on all of our campuses.

"Staff, students, visitors, contractors and members of the public will now be required to use face coverings in corridors and public areas of all our college buildings.

"This is out of consideration for those around us.

"All students who are not exempt should have a clean face covering readily available.

"They should put on the face covering before entering college and continue to wear when moving between classes, while in corridors or in public/communal areas.

"This requirement comes into effect from Monday, 21 September until further notice."

The update highlights that social distancing 'remains a key feature of the hygiene and safety measures' put in place by the SMB Group and adds: "There is increasing evidence that wearing face coverings can reduce the transmission of coronavirus from an infected person to others.

"Therefore, the wearing of face coverings is to be considered a social responsibility for those who can wear them, with the aim of providing increased reassurance to all staff and students, including those most vulnerable to serious illness."