The number of children left at school in Powys this week has dropped below 200.

From Friday, March 27, schools in Powys will close with just 13 remaining open to accommodate the children of key workers and those considered to be particularly vulnerable.

And they will all be fitted with thermometers to check the temperatures of visitors, staff and pupils to minimise the risk of cross contamination.

Cllr Elwyn Vaughan, Plaid Cymru – Glantwymyn, says he has spoken with school staff that have concerns, and that they have subsequently been addressed by education portfolio holder, Cllr Phyl Davies.

Cllr Vaughan said: “The first concern is whether the children are being dropped off at school when they could be looked after at home where perhaps adults remain.

“To address this it has been suggested that parents produce some evidence that they are at work.

“The second concern is about cross infection. The schools that are to remain open as childcare hubs need to have thermometers so that they can test everyone’s temperatures, staff and children.”

According to Cllr Davies, numbers for children at school in Powys, had dropped this week to below 200.

Cllr Davies added: “Hopefully by Friday, all hubs will have a thermometer that you point at someone’s head to obtain a temperature hopefully by Friday.

“When parents are registering their kids for this childcare we are assessing the key worker entitlement and challenging it.”

“I hope these practical measures go some way to soothe staff worries,” added Cllr Vaughan.

The hubs, which will provide childcare to support critical emergency workers, NHS staff and social care workers as well as the county’s most vulnerable children, will also operate daily from 8am to 6pm including weekends.