Scotland publishes scientific advice on opening schools

A summary of the scientific advice behind the plans to re-open schools and early years settings has been published by the Scottish Government. 

Schools will return on 11 August while ELC settings such as nurseries and playgroups will open over the summer. However the plans depend on scientific and medical advice that it is safe to proceed and  that Test and Protect is in place.

The paper highlights growing evidence that the susceptibility to clinical disease of younger children is lower than for adults.

It says there is generally good evidence that the severity of disease in children is lower than in adults.

The majority view of the Chief Medical Officer’s Advisory Group is that actions to support distancing guidance in schools where children are in indoor environments for extended periods of time would be appropriate, while a minority believed schools could operate without distancing

Swinney said: “School closures are considered to have a negative effect on all aspects of children and young people’s progress and development, as well as their wellbeing. That is why we are working to enable as many children and young people as possible to return to education and care settings at the earliest date it is safe to do so.

“The scientific evidence and advice is an important part of that decision, alongside consideration of the other harms caused by ongoing restrictions. That is why I have published a summary of the scientific evidence which has informed our discussions and decisions to date.

“The evidence around coronavirus in general, and that relating to children in particular, is continuing to evolve. Some aspects are not yet well understood – the science cannot in many cases provide us with definitive conclusions.

“The scientific advice that we have received so far leads us towards taking a cautious approach and we will continue to monitor the evidence and advice to inform decisions.”