Tayside parents are keeping their children away from school in a bid to protect them from coronavirus.
Concerns about school’s shutting in countries such as Ireland and France, as well as the closure of Murroes Primary School outside Dundee after a suspected positive case of the virus, have led to small groups of parents taking action against official advice.
Most schools in the UK remain open with the Scottish Government saying it is keeping the rapidly developing situation under constant review.
Selina Morton, a full time mum of five from Arbroath, said: “I’m keeping mine off because schools should be closed to protect our own and until this virus passes.
“I have asthma and I am not taking any chances with having five kids, one as young as six weeks old.
“If the government won’t protect us and keep us safe then it’s down to the parents to keep our kids safe.
“If you’re not allowed to go to the doctors any more then why are our young kids still to go to school?
“That just doesn’t add up.”
She said she was in contact with many other mums who had chosen to do the same.
“Everybody says kids are safe but where is the solid proof? We really don’t know much about this virus at all,” she added.
Elaine Stewart said she was keeping her son away to protect him as he has chronic lung disease.
She said: “I think the government should remove all vulnerable children from school.
“It’s those children who will need ventilators. And we know that’s going to be a problem.”
Local education bosses have moved to reassure parents.
Angus Council’s children and learning convener Derek Wann, Conservative, said:
“We will follow best advice – specifically, the national guidance provided to us and apply it in the best interests of children, parents, carers, staff and all families here in Angus,” he said.
“We will act quickly and proportionately amid what everyone recognises are dynamic circumstances, maintaining continuous contact with our schools, staff, pupils and families to advise them of any change in circumstances.
“Unless stated otherwise, our schools will remain open,” he added.
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “Parents are being recommended to follow national health advice and only keep their children away from school if they are displaying symptoms.
“All schools in Dundee remain open.”
Murroes Primary School, around three miles north of Dundee, is due to reopen on Wednesday 18 March.
Angus Council said the move was made to allow a deep clean after a suspected positive case of Covid-19 related to the 97-pupil primary.
