More than 5000 police officers and support staff are absent from their duties, it was revealed yesterday.
This figure amounts to 30 per cent of Police Scotland staff and includes officers and support workers with underlying health problems and those with virus symptoms.
Scotland currently has more than 17,000 officers and 5600 support staff.
However, police chiefs said they are still operating at a manageable level and warned public safety is their priority.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “We are keeping a very close eye on our sickness levels.
“As you would imagine, every organisation across the whole of the country is experiencing an increase in absences.
“Thus far, we are able to meet our demands. We are able to respond to the requirements that are upon us but I am keeping an open mind. “
Discussions have taken place with other groups including the special constabulary and the retired officers association.
Livingstone said they could be called upon to assist if necessary.
He added: “We have been discussing various options.
“At this stage, I haven’t needed to mobilise such additional support but we will have to see how the future goes.”
