school closures after the festive period could still be on the cards due to a sharp increase in covid infections linked to the new mutated strain.
The First Minister confirmed this week 42.8 per cent of positive tests processed for Scotland are now thought to be the fast-spreading form of coronavirus.
Sturgeon said in a statement to Holyrood on Thursday that the new strain appears to be fast becoming the dominant one circulating in Scotland - and is a cause for "real concern" given that it is thought to be significantly more transmissible.
At the moment, pupils face an extended Christmas break, with blended learning until at least January 18.Education facilities that were originally due to reopen on or around January 5 after the break are.