SOME kids in Scotland will return to school next week – but the lockdown may be extended, Nicola Sturgeon said today.
The Scottish First Minister confirmed plans to get more kids back into the classrooms in the coming days, but stopped short of revealing a full plan for easing the nationwide lockdown.
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But she said that 100 per cent normal wouldn’t be possible yet as the pandemic continues – and that even a slight easing of restrictions could see cases soar again.
There would be “trade offs” involved in getting kids back in school – meaning Scots will face extra rules and restrictions for weeks to come so the infection rate doesn’t skyrocket.
She told MSPs in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon: “Children’s education and wellbeing is such an over-riding priority.”
Pre-school kids and a limited number of older kids will be able to return from Monday, 22 February.
More vulnerable children are allowed to return too, if the schools believe it would be helpful for them.
Other kids won’t go back until at least the 15 March, she said.
Ms Sturgeon said: “I know this is difficult given ow desperate we are to get back to something close to normal, but if we open up too quickly to meet arbitrary dates, we risk setting progress back.”
Anyone returning will have access to lateral flow rapid results tests to help kids get back in classrooms.
Schools in England won’t be returning until at least March 8, Boris Johnson has said – and has vowed to give parents at least two weeks notice.
The First Minister said that lockdown rules including the stay at home message would continue until the beginning of March – and possibly even beyond that.
Her Scottish Government is currently preparing fresh plans for a lifting lockdown plan – like the UK Government.
And they hope to publish it next Tuesday, after the PM’s roadmap.
She also revealed today:
- The Government are likely to book against people to book Easter holidays as hotels won’t be open until then
- Staycations might be likely by the summer, but overseas trips probably won’t be
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