Stevenson Welcomes COVID-19 Testing for Teachers, Nursery and School Staff

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed plans for priority access to be provided for teachers, nursery and school staff concerned they may have become infected with COVID-19.

The Scottish Government has announced the step to give additional reassurance to those looking after children and young people in both schools and early learning.

They will be able to undergo testing even if they have no symptoms.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney confirmed the move to Parliament and in a letter to the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), and as he published a summary paper from the Chief Medical Officer on the latest science in respect of COVID-19 and schools.

The statement laid out the details of the £135 million of support previously announced for schools, including £80 million to bring additional teachers and staff into Scotland’s classrooms in the new school year. This funding is sufficient for local authorities to recruit approximately 1,400 additional teachers.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“This is a very welcome step by the Scottish Government and I am sure it will help to reassure teachers, nursery and school staff.

“The job they do is essential and incredibly valuable - educating and caring for children - and I support any move to help them feel safer in doing so following the coronavirus outbreak.”

Education Secretary John Swinney said:

“Thanks to our success in suppressing COVID-19 in Scotland, it is now safe for schools to return. Guidance, informed by the latest scientific advice, sets out the range of measures schools should take to minimise the risk of the spread of the virus.

“While clinical advice is clear that testing those with symptoms must be the priority, we are now offering all staff who are concerned they may have been at risk of infection to have access to testing through their employer.”