Dundee’s Kingspark School to close after number of coronavirus cases rises to six

As Covid-19 cases in adults associated with the school rises, decision is taken to close school to carry out a deep clean as a precautionary measure.

A Dundee school is to close for the reminder of the week after six adults connected to it tested positive for Covid-19.

Dundee City Council and NHS Tayside announced the decision to close Kingspark School on Wednesday evening.

The school will undergo a deep clean as a precaution with families being informed by the head teacher that the school will not open to pupils on Thursday and Friday.

Kingspark School in Dundee will not open to pupils on Thursday and Friday.

A decision on whether it will reopen on Monday will also be taken by the council and health board, which are investigating the cases.

Paul Clancy, Dundee City Council executive director, said: “Officers of the council and public health officials agree that the best way forward following identification of more cases is to close the school for the next two days for a deep clean to be completed.

“There are robust hygiene measures and other mitigations in place throughout Kingspark School, however given the vulnerabilities and complex needs of the pupils, we cannot take any risks.

“This has been a difficult decision to reach, but it is one I hope that families can understand and appreciate.

“Safety has to be paramount.”

Dr Ellie Hothersall, public health medicine consultant with NHS Tayside, also said: “We would like to reassure parents that we are taking this measure as a precaution due to the varied needs of the pupils who attend the school.”

A number of other primary schools across the country have also been impacted by cases since reopening last week.

In Glasgow, an entire class and their teacher have been told to self-isolate after a positive case of coronavirus at St Albert’s Primary School in Pollokshields.

Glasgow City Council said there is “no evidence of transmission within the school itself”, with parents sent a letter on Wednesday morning informing them of the contact tracing process taking place.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said: “The school is working closely with our public health colleagues, who’ve confirmed that robust control measures are in place at the school, and there is currently no evidence of transmission within the school itself.

“The Test and Protect team has contacted any families whose child needs to self-isolate as a precaution for 14 days and the school has already arranged for these pupils to be taught online during this period.

“A public health letter of reassurance has been sent to all families with information and advice.”

The letter from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) says the health board is working closely with the school and council to carry out a risk assessment and “establish a list of close contacts within the school”.

Contact tracing is also taking place at several other primary schools across the city as well as in Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.

It comes after Renfrewshire Council confirmed a case of Covid-19 at Todholm Primary School in Paisley on Monday.

Two others were identified in Perth and Kinross – at Newhill Primary School in Blairgowrie and Oakbank Primary School in Perth.

Test and Protect teams are also working on tracing at Wallace Primary and St James’ Primary in Renfrewshire; Carntyne Primary and the independent Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow, and Edinbarnet Primary in West Dunbartonshire.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, NHSGGC director of public health, said: “To control the spread of the virus, it is essential that anyone contacted by Test and Protect follows the directions given, including self-isolation.

“Anyone who may have been exposed is being given appropriate advice.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of continuing with the general measures to minimise the risk of Covid-19 to themselves and to others.

“These include social distancing, regular hand-washing and being vigilant for symptoms.

“Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and seek a test.”

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