Coronavirus in Scotland: Majority of pupils return to full-time teaching in schools

Pupils in Aberdeen, Fife, Dumfries and Galloway, Shetland and the Western Isles went back to school full-time last week, but the majority of councils returned on Monday, 19 April.

Schools in Edinburgh, Midlothian and Glasgow will return on Tuesday this week.

Multiple coronavirus safety measures have been put in place for pupils ahead of the return.

Twice weekly lateral flow testing is being offered to all staff and senior secondary pupils.

The strict two metre social distancing rule between pupils has been relaxed, but they are all required to wear face coverings.

Pupils who are shielding have been advised to stay at home until April 26.

The Scottish Government closed schools to most pupils for a second time at the start of this year.

All children are now back in primary schools, and secondary students have, up until this week, only been able to spend a limited amount of time in the classroom.

The country’s youngest pupils went back to classrooms on Monday 22 February as part of the gradual reopening.

Children in primaries four to seven then returned to school full-time from 15 March, alongside a phased return of secondary school pupils.

Coronavirus restrictions on travel and outdoor meetups relaxed over the weekend and residents were able to travel beyond their local authority for the first time in months.

From Friday, 16 April, up to six people from six different households have been able to meet up outside. Travel is also permitted anywhere in the country, provided it doesn’t include an overnight stay.

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