Guidance on children with non-COVID ailments

Guidelines on when children should be kept at home and get tested for Covid-19 has been published in Scotland to provide clarity to parents and schools.

Education Secretary in Scotland John Swinney has asked council Directors of Education and Head Teachers to assist in sharing more information on coronavirus to parents and carers.

In addition, Scotland’s National Clinical Director Jason Leitch has written an open letter for parents with answers about when children need to be tested for coronavirus.

For cold-like symptoms, the guidelines recommend testing only for those with a continuous cough, fever, or loss of or change in the sense of taste or smell.

COVID-19 symptoms to be aware of are a new continuous cough, fever/high temperature, loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste.

If a young person or a child develops any of the above symptoms, they should self-isolate and a test should be booked as soon as possible.

Education Secretary John Swinney said: “We know that many concerned parents, acting in their children’s best interests, have been keeping children off school. Parents, carers and schools need clear and simple national information, and that is why we are providing further advice today.

“It is critical that we remain vigilant for the symptoms of COVID-19 and this information explains the actions that we should take if someone develops signs of COVID-19 symptoms, either at school or at home.

“We will ensure that pupils, teachers and other school staff get the support they need to remain safe and feel comfortable in the school environment.”