Pupils have been ordered to keep a strict contact log before they finish up for Christmas – to help keep a tight rein on Covid outbreaks.
All secondary school pupils in the Falkirk Council area have been asked to complete a diary for every period during the school day, intervals, lunch breaks and travel.
Falkirk Council is in Level 2 and public health bosses are keen to keep the rates low.
Parents of children at Larbert High School received a letter from acting head Colin Meikle telling them about the “mandatory arrangements” being introduced from Monday.
He wrote that the school had been working to ensure “swift action” when cases are reported, including pinpointing close contacts.
He added: “The requirements of self-isolation would now mean (at this point in the term and beyond) that any pupil who is identified as a close contact of a person who tests positive for Covid-19 would be required to self-isolate over the holiday period, including the possibility of Christmas Day itself.
“Contact tracing will be carried out by NHS Test and Protect teams during the school holidays.”
A Falkirk Council confirmed the decision would affect all of its secondary schools.
It said: “Teaching staff support NHS Test and Protect with contact tracing in schools but will not be available to carry out this function during the Christmas break.
“To enable local staff to continue to support public health colleagues, we are asking secondary pupils to keep a log of close contacts from December 21 to 23.”
