With schools starting to return after the Christmas break, there are tighter rules in place as the first term of 2022 begins.
Mitigations that were in place prior to the holidays will remain in place, with extra precautions being taken due to the Omicron variant.
It comes as Scotland recorded record numbers of Covid cases during the festive period.
From testing to face coverings, there are a number of ways to keep schools as safe as possible.
Here are some key rules in place as kids and staff return to the school hallways for the first time this year.
Face mask rules
High school pupils will be required to wear a face mask in school most of the time when returning for the first term of 2022.
Face coverings must be worn in classrooms, communal areas and when moving around the school.
Those who use school transport will also need to wear a face mask during journeys.
Face mask requirements do not apply to primary schools kids.
However, youngsters of primary age may still be asked to wear face coverings on dedicated school transports, unless support needs mean this is not needed.
However, if kids would like to wear a face-covering they should be allowed to do so.
Testing
Secondary school pupils, as well as members of staff, are encouraged to take rapid lateral flow tests (LFTs) two times per week and record their results online whether they be positive, negative or void.
Test kits should be provided by schools with throat and nose test kits as well as nasal only tests made available.
Schools will encourage staff and pupils alike to test regularly, specifically after holiday periods.
Full guidance on school testing can be found on the Scottish Government website here.
Physical distancing
Primary school children do not need to distance themselves from each other.
However, wherever possible, teachers, staff and other adults should stay at least 1 metre away from each other, and from the children.
These rules may not apply to P1 and P2 children as well as youngsters with additional support needs.
However, measures are still being taken to keep them and their carers at home and school as safe as possible. For example, face coverings should be worn.
Secondary school pupils are encouraged to maintain physical distancing from each other with teachers and staff also required to remain 1 metre away with from kids and other staff members.
After school clubs and other activities
After school clubs and other clubs and activities provided by schools are allowed to carry on as usual, with extra precautions in place to make sure everyone involved stays safe.
However, each school is different and it is best to get in contact with the school to find out more details.
Other precautions
- School visitors
There are now tighter rules in terms of school visitors.
At the moment, schools are being asked to limit the number of non-essential visitors who come into the school building.
This means that parents and carers may not be able to attend events such as assemblies in a bid to limit contact.
The same rules applied prior to the Christmas break as most visitors were unable to attend nativities shows and church services.
- Ventilation
Classrooms and other indoor areas of schools should be ventilated as well as possible.
For example, keeping windows open or airing out classrooms between periods in secondary schools.
Schools will also be provided with CO2 monitors by local authorities which will allow ventilation levels to be monitored so that remedies can be provided if needed.
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