Common Cold and COVID-19 Symptoms

Please see attached letter from Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director, Scottish Government to all parents and carers.

Coronavirus – Jason Leitch Letter

This letter provides advice to parents and carers on key differences between symptoms of the coronavirus and the common cold and how to manage minor illnesses which are common at this time of year.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases among school age children remains very low. The Government believes that slots for testing for COVID-19 maybe being used by children who are self-isolating with the common cold, a virus which often circulates when schools return.

The letter from the National Clinical Director, Jason Leitch, is designed to provide reassurance to parents and carers and to help them avoid unnecessary absences from school on the part of their children.  We hope you find it helpful.

Thank you for you cooperation and understanding.