Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville this week confirmed that all current mitigations, including the use of face coverings by pupils in secondary school classrooms, will still be required to help keep schools as safe as possible.
In addition, updated guidance will be provided in the letters sent to staff and the parents of pupils when they are in low risk contact with positive cases in schools.
These will now include a strengthened recommendation to take a lateral flow test before returning to school.
Ms Somerville said: “In light of the latest data and evidence, we have decided to extend the period for these mitigations to remain in place. This decision has been informed by expert medical advice and will be kept under close review to ensure it remains appropriate.
“I promise that if we can remove the restrictions sooner, we will. For the moment though, we consider this an important protection for them, and for others in the school.”
