NHS Lanarkshire’s test and protect team is carrying out contact tracing after a member of staff and two pupils at High Blantyre Primary School tested positive for Covid-19. The member of staff and two pupils are currently self-isolating at home. The staff member tested positive on 22 August and the two pupils on 23 August. All individuals were last in school on 20 August.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that there is transmission in the school. This follows a full risk assessment of High Blantyre Primary School by NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Council. Therefore, the risk to the wider school community is low and the school will remain open with the exception of the following:
- Supported class – room five
All parents of children, and staff associated with this class, have been contacted directly by NHS Lanarkshire’s test and protect team. Public health advice has been provided to staff and pupils on testing and self-isolation.
- Primary three and primary four (P3 and P4) – room six and room ten
As a precautionary measure, all pupils and associated staff in primary three and four classes (P3 – room six and P4 – room ten) are being asked not to attend school. They will be offered testing on Wednesday 26 August and asked to self-isolate until they receive confirmation of a negative result.
All parents and staff of the school have been notified. The school will open as normal tomorrow (Monday 24 August).
NHS Lanarkshire is working closely with South Lanarkshire Council and Public Health Scotland with regard to these cases and has promptly identified close contacts.
Dr Josephine Pravinkumar, NHS Lanarkshire’s consultant in public health medicine, said: “Our test and protect team will continue to contact anyone who may be affected. Public health advice is being given to these individuals and they are being told to self-isolate and offered testing as required.
“There is evidence that mixing socially in the community without maintaining physical distancing measures can transmit the virus. It is therefore important that people remain vigilant and follow physical distancing guidance.
Dr Pravinkumar continued: “We are aware that there will be concern among both children and their parents at this time. We would like to reassure the local community that appropriate measures are being implemented.”
“Individuals should stay off school or work and get tested if they or their close contacts experience any Covid-19 symptoms, such as a cough, fever or loss of taste or smell, even if they are mild.”
Tony McDaid, executive director of education resources at South 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 and reassurance to parents and carers, pupils and staff. We fully understand that parents and pupils will be anxious. No blame is attached to anyone who is interviewed by Test and Protect but it is important that as much information as possible is given. In addition, support within school is available to any pupil who is anxious or has concerns.”
If you have any questions about coronavirus, or how to access testing, please visit www.nhsinform.scot in the first instance or call the helpline on 0800 028 2816.
The incident management team continues to meet and robust contact tracing will continue.
To respect and maintain patient confidentiality no further details will be released at this time.
ENDS
