SOME young Scots have broken quarantine rules after returning from countries not on the Government’s exempt list, it has emerged.

Speaking at today’s coronavirus briefing, the national clinical director issued a reminder that quarantine rules were enshrined in law.

Professor Jason Leitch spoke out in the aftermath of confirmed reports that two pupils at an Ayrshire school broke quarantine rules following a holiday in Lanzarote.

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He said: "The Scottish Government has been informed by our directors of public health about a number of cases of children and young people being in school after recently returning from countries not exempt from quarantine rules.

"I must remind you that the law requires everyone returning to Scotland from non-exempt countries to self-isolate at home for 14 days. This includes children as well as adults.

"People self-isolating should not go out to work, or to school, or visit public areas. This applies to people who normally live in Scotland who are returning from outside, as well as to people visiting. These measures apply irrespective of where you enter the United Kingdom.”

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Over the weekend, thousands of UK holidaymakers faced a rush to return home after France and the Netherlands were added to the quarantine list.

As it stands, Scots can visit 27 EU countries without having to self-isolate for a fortnight.

Leitch added: "As you will know, the list of exempt countries has been changed in recent days and can change at short notice, with the removal of some countries including France and the Netherlands.

"These regulations have been put in place to support our continued efforts to suppress the spread of the virus.

"Scotland's directors of education will be speaking to head teachers and heads of early learning and childcare settings today to ensure this is made clear to parents children and young people."