Michael Baker wants mask-wearing to be mandatory for secondary students

The Otago University epidemiologist says young people are just as good at transmitting this virus as adults, and have huge social networks.

He adds this is an age group where Delta's proved highly transmissible internationally.

Professor Baker also says compulsory mask-wearing for high school students is already common all over the world

Mask wearing is recommended for over 12s but not required when most schools reopen on Thursday. .