A school pupil at St Ambrose High School, Coatbridge, has tested positive for COVID-19.
The pupil, who is self-isolating at home along with immediate family, had not returned to school so the risk to other pupils and staff is minimal.
The school is fully open and operational.
Gabe Docherty, NHS Lanarkshire director of public health, said: “A positive COVID-19 confirmed case has been identified in a pupil at St Ambrose High School in Coatbridge.
“The pupil tested positive this morning (13 August), after displaying mild symptoms since 11 August, but they have not attended school at all.
“Our Test and Protect service is contacting anyone who may have been in close contact with the case. NHS Lanarkshire is working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and the school to identify all close contacts of the case who are being given public health advice and being told to self-isolate.
Dr Jennifer Darnborough, consultant in public health medicine, said: “We are aware that there will still be concern both for children and their parents at this time and I wanted to reassure them that all settings which the individual has attended during their infectious period are being identified and assessed.
“We want to take this opportunity to remind people that good hand hygiene is essential to combat transmission of the virus and children and staff should wash their hands thoroughly and regularly using soap and water for 20 seconds.
“Individuals should stay off school or work and get tested if they experience any COVID symptoms, such a cough, fever or loss of taste or smell, even if they are mild. Information on how to access testing is available from NHS Inform.”
Derek Brown, executive director, education and families, at North Lanarkshire Council, said, “The council is fully supporting the incident management team, led by NHS Lanarkshire, and its test and protect activity.
“We will continue to respond to advice from NHS Lanarkshire and provide information to parents and carers, pupils and staff.”
To respect and maintain patient confidentiality, no further details will be released at this time.
