Coronavirus (COVID 19): Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues minutes: 27 October 2020

Items and actions

1. The sub-group considered whether their previous advice on face coverings in schools and ELC settings should be updated to reflect the changed position on COVID-19 transmission rates, the experience of schools re-opening since August and the most recent scientific evidence.  Members agreed to update advice for schools and ELC to ensure a closer alignment with Public Health Scotland guidelines, to advise that face coverings should be worn by adults when not working directly with children and to encourage face covering by parents and other school/ELC visitors.    

2. Members reviewed the latest evidence on children and transmission of COVID-19 in Scotland along with a draft paper providing updated advice in relation to a number of issues on which the sub-group had already reviewed such as physical distancing, school transport and physical education.  The sub-group proposed that key updated messages in the advice should be presented in tabular format as a means of providing greater clarity.  The sub-group noted that following finalisation, the updated advice would be published.