The ability for the Scottish Government to close schools is among Covid-19 regulations to be extended until September.
Powers put in place through the Coronavirus Act 2020, which was passed by Westminster in the early days of the pandemic, are due to expire in March.
But the Scottish Government has laid regulations at Holyrood to extend five of the powers, while the others will expire as planned.
Two of the powers relate to the closure of schools and continuity of education, with others pertaining to the registration of deaths, vaccination and health protection regulations, will also be extended to September 24.
It is right that we remain vigilant to protect this hard-won progress
John Swinney, Deputy First Minister
But the Scottish Government is seeking to make some of these powers permanent through the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill which has been introduced at Holyrood and would allow ministers to exercise the powers in the event of another pandemic.
“While we have seen a welcome easing of restrictions, and hope that measures can continue to be eased, it is…
