INVERCYDE'S schools are managing to cover absences and stay open despite the problems posed by the Covid Omicron outbreak.

After the area recorded the highest case rate in the country, pupil attendance on the first day back last week was 88 per cent.

The pupil absence figure of 12 per cent does not include those who are isolating and continuing with home learning.

Among those off school around five per cent have Covid-related illnesses.

A council spokesman said: "We do have Covid-related staff absences but we don’t have figures as yet.

"However, we have covered all absences and we’ve not had to close any of our establishments."