WATCH: Edinburgh & Bathgate primary pupils catch coronavirus

A teachers' union is calling for face coverings to be worn in primaries after pupils from schools in Edinburgh and Bathgate tested positive for COVID-19.

Granton and Balbardie primaries have told parents of a single pupil at each school infected with coronavirus.

A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson told Forth News: "We’re working closely with NHS Lothian’s Health Protection Team to provide parents and the wider school community with information and reassurance.

"We know that this occurrence may cause concern to some parents and children, but we will continue to monitor the situation and follow all advice provided."

In a message to parents of pupils at Balbardie Primary School, the headteacher, Margaret Johns wrote: 'I've been informed...by NHS Lothian that a small number of close contacts of the pupil have been identified and contacted...to self-isolate.

'Following advice from NHS Lothian, all other pupils should attend school as normal...'

James Cameron, West Lothian Council’s Head of Education added: "We are working with NHS Lothian’s Health Protection team and parents and the wider school community have been provided with information and reassurance.

"We know that this occurrence may cause concern to some parents and children but we will continue to monitor the situation and follow the advice provided."

From Monday secondary school students and teachers will have to wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas.

Earlier this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the new measure being introduced by the Scottish Government is in response to new guidance from the World Health Organisation.

Reacting to the new cases of COVID caught by the Edinburgh and Bathgate pupils, General Secretary of the SSTA, Seamus Searson told Radio Forth: "Face coverings are a must in secondary schools. In primary schools staff would be thinking along the same lines. The teachers - they're at risk, and the staff are at risk, so we need to open our mind to the use of masks in certain situations in primary schools.

"Face masks should be used in situations where physical distancing is not achieved. Schools will need to look very closely at what opportunities there are that teachers or other staff can be put at risk.

"As schools start to return, we're now seeing incidents of COVID in primary and secondary schools, but I think that just highlights what we anticipated when the schools reopened. We need now to cut back on incidents of COVID in the coming months."