Perth and Kinross Council ready to ‘explore’ extra sinks in schools

Council bosses in Perth and Kinross are considering installing more sinks in schools in time for pupils’ return in August.

Hygiene measures are being ramped up in a bid to prevent a second coronavirus wave and protect pupils, parents and staff.

Hand sanitiser will be available to youngsters at all schools when they return in six weeks and more sinks could be installed at larger schools on a temporary basis.

SNP councillor Fiona Sarwar raised the point with officials and said: “Understandably parents, pupils and staff will all have a lot of concerns as we prepare to go back to school in August.

“However, there are plenty of simple solutions that will be essential for protecting against the virus: extra sinks in classrooms and outside in the playground and hand sanitiser stations on entrance and exit doors will help with hand hygiene.”

Having been initially told that no additional sinks would be fitted, council bosses now say they are looking into the viability of the Strathmore councillor’s suggestion.

A local authority spokesperson said: “Perth and Kinross council is considering a range of measures to support enhanced hygiene in schools when they reopen in August.

“We will be providing hand sanitiser, to complement existing sinks and wash hand basins, at all of our schools and staff are currently looking at how this will be implemented.

“We are also exploring the feasibility of installing temporary sinks at some larger schools.

“Parents and carers, pupils and staff can be assured that we will follow all public health guidance.”