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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Claire McKim

Scottish schools will only reopen if virus still suppressed - and will have 'surveillance' in place

Scottish schools will only reopen in August if the virus is still suppressed.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney says he will make a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday "to provide clarity about the logistical preparations for school reopening".

Plans will include quick access to testing for staff and pupils, a a surveillance programme and detailed outbreak management protocols.

Speaking today at the Scottish Government's daily coronavirus briefing, Mr Swinney said: "We will only be able to reopen schools if we continue to effectively suppress the virus. A decision on that will be made on 30 July.

"I am confident we will be able to support our children to return safely to education and to achieve this aim."

It comes as Edinburgh Council announced its plans for reopening schools next month.

Pupils will enter into the new school year full time on Wednesday August 12, with no one or two metre social distancing rules in place.

The council estimates that under its plan, the extra costs for reopening schools will amount to £20.2 million.

Guidelines remain subject to change and are contingent upon continued low coronavirus transmission rates and the virus no longer posing a significant threat to public health.

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