Nicola Sturgeon: Scottish schools could reopen in 'nearer normal' way if coronavirus kept low enough

Nicola Sturgeon has said schools in Scotland could reopen in a ‘nearer normal’ way if the Covid-19 infection rate is pushed low enough.

The First Minister made the statement in response to a post on social media from a professor at the University of Edinburgh, who believes Scotland has the power to drive out the virus through social-distancing, wearing face coverings and comprehensive testing.

Professor Devi Sridhar, who is chair of global public health at the institution, tweeted: “If Covid-19 numbers can be brought low enough in Scotland by 11 August (under 20 confirmed cases) & with appropriate ‘test and protect’ policies, my personal view is that schools should re-open as normally as possible (kids back full-time & able to play/interact together).”

The Scottish leader agreed, but stressed the the country would continue to follow the plan set out for schooling, which includes a mixture of home-based and in-class learning with lower numbers of pupils attending in person each day.

Ms Sturgeon replied: “Right now (like other UK nations), we must plan for a school model based on physical distancing. But as @devisridhar says, *if* we can suppress virus sufficiently & have other measures in place, nearer normality may be possible. It’s why we must stick with plan to suppress.”

She said Scotland’s plan to emerge from lockdown would continue to be “guided by evidence” and “won’t compromise safety” since so much about the virus remains unknown.

She said the Scottish Government was “determined to do right for children”.

She added: “And we’ll work with parents, young people & teachers to build confidence.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said schools could be "nearer normality" when they reopen in August if Covid-19 is suitably suppressed

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