School rules upgraded as Omicron takes hold

The Scottish Government has issued revised guidance for keeping schools safe as the “highly transmissible” Omicron variant becomes dominant in Scotland.

As of yesterday, there have been 696 recorded cases of the Omicron variant in Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed that Omicron had become the dominant variant replacing Delta, with the variant now accounting for 51.4% of cases in Scotland, up from 15.5% seven days ago.

In response to the rise in case numbers, the government issued updated advice for schools aimed at delivering a “strengthened approach” to minimising Covid-19 spread.

The guidance for schools already includes wearing face coverings, risk assessments and better air ventilation in classrooms.

Additional measures include limiting school visitors and updated guidance on trips outside schools and increasing testing for asymptomatic people.

Schools must also provide essential support for vulnerable groups, families and young people in the event of temporary school closures.

Pupils are also being advised to minimise contact in large groups and stronger messaging regarding self-isolation has been issued.

The government is urging schools to implement these measures before the start of the new year term.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Throughout the pandemic, our priority has been to keep our children, young people and staff safe.

“These changes reflect the threat presented by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, and they will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

“The updated guidance has been informed by advice from the Advisory Subgroup on Education and Children’s Issues and senior clinicians, based on the latest public health assessment of the situation, with input from the Covid19 Education Recovery Group.

“In addition to the changes, it’s more important than ever that safety measures already in place in schools are strictly followed.”

During her briefing, Ms Sturgeon pointed out that with Omicron cases doubling every two to three days, there are up to seven “doubling cycles” still to come before Hogmanay.

She again urged people to stay at home and “prioritise occasions that matter most to you” when socialising – saying that is was the best way to avoid being forced to isolate over Christmas.

The first minister added that without slowing the spread of the virus, the NHS could still be overwhelmed, even if this variant is less severe than others.

And she has warned that other services could also be hit as drivers, teachers and other key workers are forced to isolate.

The first minister continued: “It is important to understand that this isn’t simply an issue for the health service.

“The numbers of people becoming infected even mildly – and having to isolate – is already putting a severe strain on the economy and critical services.

“As more and more people become infected, we lose drivers for trains, teachers for classrooms, nurses for hospital wards, and workers for businesses across the country.

“So there really isn’t a choice to be made between slowing the spread of Omicron and protecting the economy.”

It’s more important than ever that safety measures already in place in schools are strictly followed

HARSH LESSON: Pupils are being advised to minimise contact in large groups and stronger messaging regarding self-isolation has been issued.