Glasgow parents have expressed their opinions on the return of schools this week following the Christmas holidays.
In recent weeks, the number of covid cases have soared due to the widespread transmissibility of the omicron variant.
More than 17,000 new cases were recorded yesterday - the second highest number since the beginning of the pandemic. Meanwhile, more than 20,000 were recorded in a single day last week.
With so many people currently isolating, it has led to issues with staff shortages for essential workers.
Glasgow Live asked parents how they felt about their kids returning to schools this week, and received thousands of responses.
The vast majority of parents said they were not concerned to send their children back to school, stating their priority was the emotional wellbeing of youngsters.
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Natalie Briggs said: "My wee one is autistic and needs his routine back so he will be back on Wednesday when his nursery opens."
Another reader said: "Nope. No concerns. We need to learn to live with the fact coronavirus and omicron have now been added to our common list of airborne viruses like pneumonia, influenza, winter flu. I get that people are scared, scared of what’s to come but if we lived our lives forever in the dark where would that get us. I am not scared for them going back and I’m not scared to home school again either. I have four children at home and I done a brilliant job last time and I will do so again if required."
Meanwhile Natalie-Anne Gordon said: "Myself and my son have it right now. He'll have had it and out the way time he goes back. If had to get it its been end of the holidays. Not super concerned for us. Still respectful and sensitive to those who are vulnerable. Everything can't continue to be shut down it's an impossible way of life."
Linda Paterson added: "Haven’t the children suffered enough in their education and mental health? They desperately need to be in school."
While most people supported returning children to school, some did express concerns over the risk of passing on the infection to others.
Frankie Hopper said: "The only thing that concerns me is the kids bringing it home and passing it on to vulnerable people."
Ruth Haazen added: "More concerned that they bring it home and my husband has to shut his business to isolate again."
Meanwhile Lorraine Chambers Dines was worried that isolating would mean she was unable to visit her father in hospital. She said: "Yes I am because my dads in hospital and I’m the only person who’s allowed in to see him. If my kids get it then I can’t visit my dad."
Eileen Angela added: "I am a mother of a teacher . A grandmother of primary/nursery children . I am indeed concerned however they need to all be back safely."
