The Department for Education has told schools in England that pupils in years 7 and above are to wear face masks in communal areas.
The new COVID variant is thought to be more transmissible than others that are already known.
It is not known how severe this new variant is, tests are rapidly underway to determine the effects this may have moving forward.
Health officials have warned about the possibility of the new strain being able to evade vaccines.
From Tuesday wearing masks will be mandatory in shops and public transport in England it has been announced.
The new advice follows Boris announcing new rules on face coverings following the detection of the Omicron variant in the UK.
