Two Dundee mothers who have been shielding say they have been “appalled” by the lack social distancing by fellow parents during the school run.
Debbie Dunn has written to her child’s school, Victoria Park Primary, and head of education at Dundee City Council (DCC), Audrey May, to raise concerns after witnessing adults and children “bottle-necking” into the grounds.
Debbie has been shielding throughout lockdown and her mother is in a high-risk category with asthma.
She has been forced to brave the scenes as she is also collecting a child on behalf of her friend who is recovering from cancer treatment.
It comes as Kingspark School was forced to close after a number of positive coronavirus cases there.
Teachers at a school in Fintry wrote to parents and carers earlier this week saying only one adult per household would be allowed on the grounds after social distancing rules were flouted.
Debbie, 42, said the situation has deteriorated since the first week of reopening, when class start times were staggered.
She said: “Having the whole school enter from the one gate on Blackness Road is creating a full-on bottle-neck.
“I have spent the last six months shielding and I care for my elderly mother who is also in the at-risk category. I am more fearful about carrying out the school run than I am about carrying out shopping.”
Debbie has been collecting another child in order to protect fellow parent Lesley Falconer, who has been battling breast cancer.
Lesley said: “I’ve just undergone a year of cancer treatment and it sickens me how busy that playground is at home time.
“Debbie has kindly picked up my son for me as I had a full-on anxiety attack coming out of the school as there was so many people.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman said the schools and nursery have a system in place to support and encourage physical distancing in and around the campus, which is being continuously reviewed.
“To minimise risk and remind people of the two metre physical distance guidance, the nursery and schools have sent letters, texts, tweets to families,” the spokesman added.
“New signage has also been created for the Blackness Road gates.
“The schools are also encouraging staggered entry and exit at the playground.”
