More than 1,100 children in East Ayrshire have been absent from school on the same day due to COVID-19, figures reveal.
Data shows that 1,165 pupils were off on Tuesday, November 10 for virus-related reasons including self-isolation and parents refusing to send their children into school.
Figures from that date also show that 77 school staff were off due to the pandemic, including 38 teachers.
Thirty-one parents decided not to send their children into class over coronavirus fears.
Douglas Reid, East Ayrshire Council Leader, said: “There have been outbreaks in Stewarton, Doon Valley and Kilmarnock.
“We are having discussions with the government about how to mitigate the spikes and causes behind them. We have to err on the side of caution. But we know education is important. We need to find out what we need to do to avert the rise in cases.”
On November 10, 181 pupils in the KA18 area, which covers Cumnock, were absent from school as a result of coronavirus. On the same day, those in the KA5 area, which covers Mauchline, were absent. In the KA6 area, which covers Drongan, 139 students were absent.
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