Scottish Government's Covid regulation powers extended
The ability for the Scottish Government to close schools is one measure staying in place until September.
The ability for the Scottish Government to close schools is among five Covid-19 regulations being extended for another six months.
Powers put in place at the start of the pandemic by the UK Government at Westminster are set to expire in March.
However, the Scottish Government is extending 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 - the others are on the registration of deaths, vaccination and health protection regulations.
All five are in place until September 24th.
The Scottish Government is seeking to make some of these powers permanent through the Coronavirus Bill, which would allow ministers to exercise the powers in the event of another pandemic.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:
"While we have seen a welcome easing of restrictions, and hope that measures can continue to be eased, it is right that we remain vigilant to protect this hard-won progress."
"For that reason we believe some of these provisions remain necessary and proportionate to mitigate the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on our public services, and any future health threats.
"Although not required to by law, the Scottish Government has reported to Parliament on the use of these UK Act powers every two months throughout the pandemic to enable parliamentary scrutiny of their use, and will continue to do so.
"As set out in the Recovery and Reform Bill, it is our intention that the extended provisions be included in permanent legislation, subject to full parliamentary scrutiny of the Bill."