A top Covid-19 adviser to Nicola Sturgeon has said she believes the potential damage of keeping children out of school is being underestimated.
Professor Devi Sridhar, a leading member of the First Minister's covid advisory group, made the comments in relation to a Norwegian study that concluded there was minimal coronavirus transmission in primary schools.
Schools across Scotland are currently closed to all but the most vulnerable children and those of key workers, with the vast majority of pupils forced into remote learning.
Commenting on Twitter, she said: "I’m increasingly convinced by data from countries across the world that we are underestimating the harms of keeping young kids out of school & overplaying their role in transmission. Children should be in school."
Earlier this month, Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the much longed for return to the classroom on February 1 won't go ahead. She is set to review the current position on February 2, but cautioned there is no likelihood of change until at least the middle of the month.
However, Professor Sridhar also stressed the complexity of the issue, stating there was no simple solution.
