Two more primary school pupils test positive for Covid-19

Two school pupils from Perth and Kinross have tested positive for Covid-19.

The two children are currently self-isolating at home with mild symptoms along with their immediate family members.

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

Perth and Kinross Council say there is currently no evidence to suggest that there is any transmission of Covid-19 within either of the schools and both will remain open.

The news comes after a pupil tested positive for coronavirus at Todholm Primary School in Paisley.

A Problem Assessment Group (PAG) met on Monday afternoon and has established a list of close contacts within the Renfrewshire school.

Meanwhile, NHS Tayside’s Health Protection Team has identified 41 close contacts of the positive cases in Perth and Kinross, which includes some school pupils and staff.

As a precautionary measure, all of these contacts have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14 days, counting from Friday, August 14. NHS contact tracers will follow up on all of the identified contacts to provide further advice and information.

The local authority says there is no evidence of any link to the cluster in Coupar Angus, which led to the closure of the 2 Sisters factory and there is no evidence of wider community spread.

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.

Jacquie Pepper, Depute Director, Education and Children’s Services at Perth & Kinross Council, said it was a “worrying time for parents” but that children should attend school as normal.

She said: “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.”

Meanwhile, health officials are also investigating a number of coronavirus cases in Glasgow and Lanarkshire linked to house parties.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) health board says the test and protect service has identified 14 positive cases – some of whom are pupils at Bannerman High School in Baillieston.

NHS Lanarkshire is also carrying out a community-wide investigation after a spike in Covid-19 cases among pupils at several high schools in the area.

NHSGGC’s Dr Iain Kennedy said: “We can confirm there are links between this cluster (in north-east Glasgow) and cases within Lanarkshire Health Board.

“We work closely on cross-board issues on a regular basis, including the current clusters, where investigations are ongoing.”