Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed the announcement today (30 July) that COVID-19 shielding is ending.

The First Minister also confirmed that schools will reopen on the week of 11 August, and that there will be a significant boost in funding to recruit up to 1,400 teachers.

Welcoming the news, Alasdair Allan MSP said:

“The pause in shielding advice from 1 August for members in high risks categories marks an important step in the route-map out of lockdown and represents a huge relief to us all.

“From 11 August, schools will reopen. Along with this announcement, a further £30m was announced to support councils with cleaning, facilities management, school transport and other practical issues that are vital in ensuring a safe return to school.

“The Scottish Government has also provided £75m towards teacher recruitment to ensure increased resilience during the reopening.

“I echo the First Minister’s calls for caution – we have seen how quickly outbreaks have occurred in other parts of the world. In the transition to the ‘new normal’, we must adhere closely to public health guidance to ensure that this virus continues to be supressed.”