Audio By Carbonatix
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said pupils in Scotland will not return to school until 11 January and learning will remain online only until "at least 18 January".
She said there was no suggestion that transmission had become a greater problem in schools, but the delay to reopening schools in January was "necessitated" by the latest developments around the new coronavirus variant.
"We are determined, if at all possible, to get schools back to normal from 18 January," she said.
Scotland's interim chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith added there was no clear signal to say children were any more likely to transmit the new variant than any other age group.
He said the decision on temporary school closures was a "precautionary approach" to limit the opportunity for the spread of the new variant.
Latest Stories
-
GTA 6 leaks – a nightmare or a blip for the biggest video game of the year?
4 hours -
Two injured in stabbing attack at Canada Sikh temple
4 hours -
Modi spent years building his strong image – why is he making Gen Z reels now?
4 hours -
Canada ‘should fight’ as US trade deadline looms, Manitoba premier says
4 hours -
Man Utd agree £70m fee for Brighton’s Baleba
4 hours -
Inter-Agency Football Gala: YEA organize event as part of National Youth Month celebration
4 hours -
Receiver fights High Court order to hand over No.1 Oxford Street Hotel to Cheddar’s company
5 hours -
Partey begins new chapter in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab
5 hours -
NSMQ 2026: St. Francis Xavier deny debutants Pentecost SHS one-eighth spot
5 hours -
One killed in sword attack at Swedish school
5 hours -
NSMQ 2026: Tamale SHS sweep aside Kalpohin, Wenchi Methodist to reach one-eighth stage
6 hours -
Tupac murder accused told police in 2008 his nephew fired fatal shots
6 hours -
Heart of the Beast to Practical Magic 2: 10 of the best films to watch this September
6 hours -
NSMQ 2026: Tears of relief as Labone SHS survive Notre Dame Sem. in thriller to secure one-eighth spot
6 hours -
Onga Tomato Mix unveils Diana Hamilton as Brand Ambassador
6 hours