ASN school to close after rise in adult coronavirus cases

An additional support needs school has been closed following a rise of confirmed coronavirus cases.

On Tuesday, NHS Tayside’s health protection team was made aware of a single case connected to Kingspark School in Dundee.

In an update on Wednesday, the health board said the number of identified cases of Covid-19 in adults linked to the special school had risen to six.

In response, Dundee City Council and NHS Tayside have taken the decision to close the school over Thursday and Friday so as it can undergo a deep clean as a precautionary measure.

NHS Tayside, the city council and partners are working closely to investigate the cases and investigations are ongoing.

Dr Ellie Hothersall, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Tayside, 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.”

Kingspark School has around 185 pupils aged between five and 18. All of the youngsters have complex additional support needs and many have additional physical disabilities or medical problems.

Paul Clancy, executive director of Dundee City Council’s children and families service, 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.”

A decision on whether the school will reopen on Monday will be taken by the council and NHS Tayside and communicated to families in advance.