SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) and NHS Borders have issued statements in response to the First Minister’s announcement that some children might soon be returning to school.

During her lockdown update yesterday (Tuesday, February 2), Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government is working towards plans which would see children in P1 to P3 back in classrooms from February 22.

SBC leader Shona Haslam said she is "encouraged" by the proposals, adding: "The reopening of schools is a huge priority for us.”

In the Scottish Parliament yesterday, Ms Sturgeon said that some senior secondary students might also return in February for practical subjects.

Reacting to the back-to-school news, Mrs Haslam said: “We will do all we can to ensure our school buildings remain safe places for both staff and young people to attend and we have all necessary risk assessments, processes and procedures in place to keep the schools COVID-free.

"While we are just looking at a partial reopening at this stage we remain in a really positive position to be able to provide digital learning for those not returning to school just yet through our fantastic Inspire Learning programme."

As part of the return-to-school programme, at-home testing will be offered to all teachers – as well as to senior secondary pupils, said Mr Sturgeon.

In the Borders, Mrs Haslam praised students, parents and teachers for their efforts during the pandemic.

She said: "I would once again like to thank all of our young people, parents and staff for their co-operation, flexibility and hard work during this challenging period.

"We will be in touch with all affected parents as soon as we can to let them know about arrangements.”

During her announcement in Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon urged people to keep following the ‘stay at home’ order given in January, as she confirmed the existing restrictions would remain until “at least” the end of February.

NHS Borders and SBC have both reminded Borderers that although the measures in place are having an effect on the virus, cases are still high.

A joint spokesperson said: "It is clear that the measures in place are having an impact on suppressing the virus, and this is shown in the continued reduction in confirmed cases in the Borders.

"However, case numbers still remain at a level that is too high, and with the highly contagious variant now the dominant strain and with the numbers of patients with COVID-19 who require hospital treatment remaining stubbornly high, it is clear that this virus is still present and dangerous."

Gareth Clinkscale, associate director of acute services at NHS Borders, added: “Our staff are working tirelessly to maintain a level of routine services including all urgent, cancer and emergency surgeries

“We have faced significant pressure over the past week which has resulted in delays in our Emergency Department and in admitting patients to our wards.

“Please play your part in protecting our NHS by following the rules and staying at home."

For more information on coronavirus or to book a test, visit NHS Inform or call 0800 028 2816.