THE education minister is back out and about visiting schools - this time wearing a face covering.
Peter Weir was criticised when The Irish News revealed that he had been meeting teachers and pupils indoors without a mask.
The NASUWT union, which is frustrated by what it calls confusing and inconsistent guidance, said images shared online sent the wrong message.
Adults visiting any school site are required to cover their nose and mouth.
Department of Education guidance also says coverings must be worn in staff rooms and during adult to adult meetings lasting more than 15 minutes.
The rules were updated ahead of the full-time return.
The assembly education committee yesterday heard concerns from Alan Law of Nipsa who said the minister had breached his own guidance.
Mr Weir marked the return to full-time education on Tuesday with a visit to Bangor Grammar School.
An image posted on his own and department's social media channels showed him now following the guidance on masks.
His department had responded to the earlier criticism by saying Mr Weir "will be wearing a face covering in schools on all future visits".
Of his visit, Mr Weir tweeted: "Comprehensive Covid-19 hygiene and mitigation measures in place. Students I spoke to very relieved to be in school again."
