Coronavirus: Fife Council buildings and services remain open for business with no need for school closures

That is the message from Fife Council which has given its response to staff and parents following widespread concerns about coronovirus.

The local authority has published information and guidance on its website www.fife.gov.uk including an open letter from Steve Grimmond, Fife Council chief executive and Carrie Lindsey, executive director, Education & Children’s Services.

In relation to council buildings and staff, Fife Council says it is following the advice from Health Protection Scotland (HPS) to help safeguard council services and buildings for the public and our staff.

It stated that in relation to local authority employees and buildings it has been “sharing information and advice on illness prevention, and good hygiene practices directly with all staff. Our buildings and services remain open as usual and are safe for visitors and staff. Our buildings will display public information notices and hand washing advice.”

In a statement regarding schools, Carrie Lindsey said: “Public health advice is clear that schools do not need to close and pupils should attend as normal.

“Fife Council is working closely with Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, NHS Fife and Health Protection Scotland to monitor and respond to the national situation. I’m in regular

contact with Fife’s headteachers and we will continue to work with health agencies to make sure we’re giving schools the most up to date advice.

“The safety and wellbeing of everyone in our schools community is always our top priority. If your family has travelled in an affected area, follow the NHS advice and contact your

school if you need to self-isolate.”

In a recent open letter, published on fife.gov.uk, Mr Grimmond said the council has been monitoring the situation and following all relevant public health advice.

He added: “I would reiterate that the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our school communities is a priority. Current public health advice is clear that schools do not need to close and pupils should attend as normal.

“Everyone in Fife can continue to do their bit to stop the spread of coronavirus by following national guidance about regular hand washing.”