Nicola Sturgeon says she would consider closing pubs and restaurants to ensure Scottish schools remain open.
The First Minister was speaking at a coronavirus media briefing this afternoon.
Schools are due to open by August 18th, and earlier in some local authorities.
Sturgeon said she didn't want to put further restrictions on the pub industry as she understood this affects the livelihoods of many Scots.
But she added: "It's a delicate balance and if that is thrown off kilter then unfortunately we will have to consider further restrictions up to and including perhaps, the further shutdown of premises like pubs and restaurants. That's the last thing I want to do."
The First Minister warned "we all have a part to play" in keeping the virus under control in Scotland.
"I've made no bones about the fact that the return of schools, the wellbeing of our young people, is the priority of the government," Sturgeon said, "And we will not allow that to be compromised if taking action elsewhere can protect that objective.
"Since the outbreak of this pandemic, getting through has been a collective effort."
Her comments come as 18 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Scotland.
A cluster of 13 cases that started at an Aberdeen pub accounted for many of the new diagnosis.
