• Justin Bowie

• 4 Mar 2020, 18:03

CORONAVIRUS could throw schools across Scotland into chaos by locking down classrooms and seeing National 5 and Higher exams postponed as a result.

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty warned that schools could close for “more than two months” if the bug continues to hit people across the country.

Read our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updates

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The SQA have said that there is “no change” to Scotland’s exam diet and that current coursework deadlines remain in place.

They said that they are continuing to monitor the bug outbreak closely with the Scottish Government.

A spokesperson told The Scottish Sun: “The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is continuing to monitor the situation regarding Coronavirus closely, in consultation with the Scottish Government, and will provide further guidance if required.

Coronavirus in Scotland: ‘Drive-through’ testing introduced in Edinburgh and Inverness hospitals

“At present, there is no change to the published National Qualifications 2020 examination timetable, and the exam diet remains on track.

“Current deadlines for coursework, and other assessments, remain in place.”

Three Scottish patients have tested positive for the infection - with two new cases emerging in the Ayrshire and Grampian areas today.

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Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said officials were informed of the fresh cases overnight.

She said: "We expect the number of cases to rise and Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus.

"There is currently no treatment or vaccine so early detection measures will continue to be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus."

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Nicola Sturgeon warned the country to prepare for a "significant outbreak".

The First Minister warned up to 250,000 people could be hospitalised.

So far 87 Britons have been diagnosed with the deadly disease which first originated in Wuhan.

Across the UK a number of schools have already been shut due to fears over the virus.

Professor Whitty said: "There is no evidence that children are particularly badly affected by the virus, in fact quite the other way.

“Evidence from China at least would imply children have much less of this disease, either because they get it less often or the version they get is a lot milder.”

Source:   https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/5350892/coronavirus-scottish-exam-higher-school-national/

' And that's why I am now SIP.

Although I am being very careful, I have huge confidence in the UK/Scotish systems.  70K tests by the same time Washington had performed um........ 28.    

That says it all really.

I've viewed several articles and watched the UK pandemic announcements and it sounds like they have a good theoretical plan.  USA planning, not so much.  Not in theory and not in practice so far.

https://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk/news/fourth-coronavirus-case-detected-in-grampian-as-national-figure-rises-to-16-193173/

A total of 2,101 Scottish tests have concluded. Of these:

• 2,078 tests were confirmed negative
• 23 tests were positive 

Last updated: 2pm on 9 March 2020. The latest numbers will publish at 2pm each day

Hi Technophobe.  Rise of 5.  Sturgeon still saying no evidence of community spread all returning travellers or close contact of known case.

Think that will change soon after they allowed Rugby to go ahead.  Scotland vs France with 57,000 fans there on Sat in capital.  Huge amount of French travelling away fans.  Funny France wont allow gatherings of more that 1000, but Edinburgh had no problem with the fans travelling here from France on mass.

What can you do.

Hz

Ok you Scottish people what does bu$$er mean?  I am dumb enough to ask...lol.

Thank you, Hazel!  Quick translation, Flumum: - absolutely nothing with a mild swearword alluded to.

Well if it was your father or grandfather of 80+ I'd worry, but at 10 - he's likely safe even if it is Wuflu, hopefully you don't catch it from him (regarless of which it is!). Stay safe and keep us informed, Hazelpad - prayers said!

Thank you so much  that's kind lending us your thoughts and support.  Not too worried he seems to be sniffy and that's not really a feature of this virus according to WHO.  Have 2 teenage girls that are keeping to other end of house...oh the drama.

He is scared because they have been going on and on about it in school.

It's just a cold it's just a cold it's just a  cold.

Will keep you updated.  He's in bed with hot chocolate and calpol.  

Hz xx

total of 2,234 Scottish tests have concluded. Of these:

• 2,207 tests were confirmed negative
• 27 tests were positive 

Last updated: 2pm on 10 March 2020. The latest numbers will publish at 2pm each

HI Technophobe, Thanks for asking.  He still has temp, sore throat, runny nose.  I have confined him to his room with xbox ( discretely) and am being careful.  Wee lad.  Mantra..It's just a cold it's just a cold it's just a cold.  Cant wrap in cotton wool even though he's the youngest.

Hz x