Dundee pupils warned about distancing rules at lunchtime

Pupils have been warned over fears they are failing to follow physical distancing guidance while out of school during lunchtime.

It follows reports from concerned residents in Broughty Ferry that Grove Academy students are breaking the rules in city shops and streets by gathering in large groups and failing to wear face coverings inside shops.

Scottish Government guidance encourages older pupils to keep a safe distance in schools as an extra precaution against coronavirus.

Pupils who leave school grounds during lunch hours must wear face masks inside city stores and physically distance from each other.

Teenagers are asked not to hug or shake hands with their classmates to avoid crowding together.

Social distancing is not required between pupils in primary schools due to a lower risk of them catching coronavirus.

A school spokesman said: “All Grove Academy pupils have been reminded of expectations of social distancing and face coverings in public as part of their return to school and have been asked to follow these and wash and sanitise hands on return to the building.”

Pupils at Grove Academy have the option to pre-order a school lunch, bring in their own packed lunch or leave school to purchase food.

School lunches across Tayside have been changed to cold bagged meals due to coronavirus and lunch and break times have been staggered in an effort to avoid crowds.

Councillor Stewart Hunter, children and families convener, urged pupils, staff and parents to follow the guidance.

Mr Hunter said: “There has been a huge effort to get our schools ready for the full time return of pupils after nearly five months, and everybody is getting used to young people being in the classroom and outside schools again.

“We all need to do everything we can to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to ask parents and families to remember to physically distance when they are dropping off or collecting their children from school.

“We cannot be complacent and everyone has a part to play.”

“We all need to do everything we can to stop the spread of coronavirus. COUNCILLOR STEWART HUNTER