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There is little evidence to show face masks reduce the risk of Covid transmission in primary school students, according to one of Australia's former top doctors.
Masks will be mandatory in Victoria - and 'highly recommended' in NSW - for students in Year 3 when schools return from the summer holidays on January 31.
Ex-deputy chief health officer Nick Coatsworth said the data did not prove masks were particularly effective at protecting children under 11 against the virus.
'I have always been pretty definite on this,' Dr Coatsworth told the Today show. 'I continue to be definite. No masks for primary school students.
'I simply don't think the evidence is there to suggest that it reduces transmission.'
A student is pictured at Glebe Public School in Sydney. Face coverings are 'highly recommended' in NSW when schools return from the summer holidays at the end of January
He admitted the issue was a 'grey area' and rules could soon change if authorities notice a significant rise in Covid cases when schools resume.
'Victoria's mandating it - that's fine. In NSW, it is optional - that's fine as well. The evidence is a grey area. Some states may choose to go a little bit further,' he said.
Ex-deputy chief health officer Nick Coatsworth said masks had not been proven to be particularly
