Parents across the region have been given up-to-date advice on Covid-19 affecting children and young people in schools.
Dumfries and Galloway’s schools sent letters home on Friday from National Clinical Director Jason Leitch confirming that from when they return to classes this week those aged 18 and under with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough – but who are otherwise well – do NOT need to stay at home and can continue to attend nursery, school or college.
In the letter he stated: “They should only stay at home if they are unwell and have a high temperature. They can go back to school, college or childcare and resume normal activities when they no longer have a fever and they feel well enough to attend.”
Offering “best wishes” to those sitting exams for the rest of the month, he added: “This guidance differs slightly to that for adults, and reflects the fact that children and young people generally have a higher likelihood than adults of regular instances of respiratory symptoms from non-Covid illnesses.”
Since Sunday, public health advice in Scotland has changed – for adults – to a “stay at home” message and replaced self-isolation for those who have symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.
Mr Leitch said: “As a result, people who have symptoms of Covid-19 and who have a fever or are too unwell to carry out normal activities will be asked to stay at home while they are unwell or have a fever.
“They will no longer be advised to take a PCR test.”
Testing for the general population and most contact tracing ended on Saturday.
Further information on the stay at home guidance and measures people can take to limit the spread of Covid-19 can be found on the Scottish Government website and on nhsinform.scot/covid19.
