Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Alasdair Clark

NHS Lothian tell Edinburgh parents not to hold large gatherings or birthday parties

Parents in Edinburgh have been told kids can't see each other over Easter in a letter from NHS Lothian.

The health board reminded parents that gatherings should only take place outdoors in small groups, as per the Scottish Government rules.

They also said large gatherings like birthday parties shouldn't be organised, even outdoors.

The letter from NHS Lothian's director of public health was sent to all parents in the capital on Monday.

"Even though children are now starting to meet more in the school environment, this does not mean they should meet more outside school.

For all the latest coronavirus in Scotland news, head over to our live blog.

"Schools have a lot of safety measures, such as hand hygiene stations, limiting mixing of pupils and regular cleaning regimes that reduce risks, which are not as easily followed outwith the school environment," the letter read.

Whilst there is no limit on the number of children under 12 who can meet outdoors, NHS Lothian asked parents to follow thee "spirit" of the coronavirus guidance.

"Although children under 12 are not counted towards households or numbers when meeting outside, working within the ‘spirit’ of the guidance and limiting the mixing of our children is the best way to help us all get back to ‘normal’ as quickly as possible," the letter said.

Parents were also urged to follow the rules around self isolation and testing, as well as the government's FACT guidance.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.