Covid-19 at High Blantyre Primary School: staff member and two pupils test positive for coronavirus

Those affected by the infections are currently self-isolating at home.

An NHS Test and Protect team has descended on a Lanarkshire primary school after a staff member and two pupils tested positive for coronavirus over the weekend.

NHS Lanarkshire said the High Blantyre Primary School staff member tested positive on August 22 followed by two of its pupils a day later.

The health board said both last visited the school on August 20.

High Blantyre Primary School, in South Lanarkshire, where a member of staff and two pupils have tested positive for Covid-19.

Despite the new cases, most other pupils at the primary school, which reopened less than a fortnight ago, will not be sent home.

NHS Lanarkshire, said there was “currently no evidence” to suggest there has been transmission of the virus at the school, and insisted the risk to the wider school community is low.

Two year groups have been asked to self-isolate ahead of testing as a precaution, after a risk assessment by NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Council.

All children and staff in P3 and P4 have been asked not to attend school. They will be offered testing on Wednesday, August 26 and told to self-isolate until they receive confirmation of a negative result.

All parents of children, and staff associated with the supported class in Room 5 at High Blantyre Primary School have also been contacted directly by NHS Lanarkshire’s test and protect team as a precaution.

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.”

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