PUPILS TOLD TO KEEP UP STUDYING

School pupils are advised to keep studying for exams with no changes announced to the timetable yet in response to the Coronavirus.

South Ayrshire Council said it will follow advice from Public Health Scotland if a school needs to close due to an outbreak.

Major Ayr event the Holy Fair could be cancelled with South Ayrshire Council looking at events attracting more than 500 people. No definite decision has been made yet on the Low Green event on June 22.

The council is currently drawing up contingency plans to cope with the pandemic.

South Ayrshire Council schools have been told there are no changes to the exam timetable at the moment by exam body the Scottish Qualifications Authority .

It said: “Our advice therefore is to continue to prepare as normal. All current deadlines for coursework and other assessments remain in place and the exam timetable is currently scheduled to run from April 27 until June 4.”

Commenting on the council’s latest preparations to deal with coronavirus, a council spokesman said: “Contingency plans are being developed and we are following Government advice in relation to coronavirus.

“Our schools remain open but any overseas trips have been postponed. We will follow guidance from Public Health Scotland should one of our schools need to close in the event of an outbreak.

“Council meetings are still taking place, however we are following Scottish Government recommendations and reviewing any event which could attract more than 500 people. We have business continuity plans in place.”

Four people in Ayrshire have tested positive for the virus so far.

No new cases were revealed today in the area by the Scottish Government.