Perth and Kinross: Pupils at local primary schools test positive for coronavirus

Two pupils in primary schools in the Perth and Kinross area have tested positive for coronavirus, with contact tracing identifying 41 close contacts including other pupils and staff.

One of the pupils attends Newhill Primary School in Blairgowrie and the other attends Oakbank Primary School in Perth.

The local council has said that the schools will remain open.

The local council has said that the schools will stay open, though those who were identified as contacts are advised by NHS Tayside to self isolate for 14 days.

Dr Emily Stevenson from NHS Tayside's Health Protection team said: "These two positive cases in Perth & Kinross schools are experiencing mild symptoms. Their confidentiality must be respected and no further details can be released about individual cases.

"NHS Tayside and Perth & Kinross Council worked very quickly together and we are confident that we have identified everyone who is required to self isolate.

"Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, such a cough, fever or loss of or change in senses of taste or smell, even if they are mild, should stay off school or work and seek COVID-19 testing. Information on how to access testing is available from NHS Inform."

Jacquie Pepper, Depute Director, Education and Children's Services at Perth & Kinross Council, said: "We hope both children who have tested positive for COVID-19 make a full and speedy recovery.

"We have worked closely with NHS Tayside's Health Protection Team and wish to reassure parents that all settings which these pupils have attended during their infectious period have been identified. Close contacts have been asked to self-isolate as a precaution.

"This will be a worrying time for parents, however, there is no evidence of wider transmission and children should attend school as normal".

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