Virus has hit two thirds of high schools

THE vast majority of Scotland’s secondary schools have experienced a coronavirus outbreak, it has emerged.

Pupils have continued to work in the classroom since returning in August, even as 11 local authority areas were plunged i nto the toughest level of restrictions as cases in the community soared.

A report by Public Health Scotland (PHS) said two thirds of secondaries had now reported pupils having caught the infection.

Around 620 children aged between two and 17 are diagnosed with coronavirus every week in Scotland – a rate of 70 per 100,000 children.

Union bosses warned teachers could strike over concerns about virus safety measures, with some even retiring early to avoid having to go back into classrooms.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) yesterday urged SNP ministers to consider blended learning – allowing youngsters to learn remotely from home for part of the school week.

But Nicola Sturgeon dismissed concerns and insisted it is ‘right’ youngsters remain in the classroom until Christmas. Speaking at her daily briefing, the First Minister said most schools, including primary schools, had not had coronavirus cases.

However, EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said: ‘Our members want to be in schools working with pupils – but they also want pupils and staff to be safe.’

He added: ‘ The Scottish Government’s rejection of remote or blended learning for schools in areas with high rates of infection has increased the level of risk for pupils, teachers and their families.’

The PHS report states: ‘Across the full 13-week period r e port e d s i nce s c hools returned in August, 63 per cent have had no positive cases among their pupils.

‘More than two-thirds of primary schools (69 per cent) have not had any cases among pupils. In contrast, two-thirds of secondary schools (66 per cent) have had a case among their pupils.’

One teacher said: ‘It is a pretence to say that Covid protections are fully in place. Many senior students do not wear masks.’

Teachers in Edinburgh have become the latest to vote in favour of declaring a formal dispute with their employer over safety concerns.

The EIS said members in the capital were the fourth local group to take such a step, with ballots also under way on the issue in both Argyll and Bute and in Midlothian.

The Edinburgh EIS executive is now planning to have talks with leaders in the City of Edinburgh Council, local association secretary Alison Murphy said.

‘Want pupils and staff to be safe’