Covid cluster linked to Dundee school rises to 22

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases linked to an additional support needs school has risen to 22.

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

On Sunday, the health board stated the cluster had now reached 22 – made up of 17 members of staff, two pupils and three community contacts.

A single positive case has been linked to the primary 2A class at St Peter and Paul’s School in the city, and a positive case has been linked to Happy Times out-of-school club at Downfield Primary School.

Kingspark School, which was closed last Wednesday for a deep clean, remains shut and all staff and pupils continue to self-isolate as previously advised.

Dr Ellie Hothersall, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Tayside, said: “Since the identification of positive cases at Kingspark, a detailed contact tracing programme has been under way and these linked cases are being identified because of those concerted efforts of Test and Protect.

“We must do everything we can to protect all of our communities against Covid-19 and that is why we have issued the guidance to self-isolate. By taking this action we are containing any further spread of infection.

“We know that this may cause anxiety to some parents and children, but we must do everything we can to ensure we keep people safe.”

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: “I would like to reassure families that this action is being taken to keep everyone safe.

“This is our paramount concern and we cannot be complacent.”

Further information for parents and staff is available here.