School closed as 'significant' number of pupils self-isolate

A school in Moray has been closed after a “significant” number of pupils and staff were forced to self-isolate.

Contact tracing is under way at Milne’s High School, Fochabers, following an outbreak of coronavirus.

The school will reopen as normal on Monday for those not required to isolate, the council has confirmed.

Moray MP Douglas Ross said the situation showed “there is no room for complacency” with the virus, despite a relatively low prevalence in Moray.

He said: “The management at the school and at Moray Council have been dealing with this in a professional way and I wish those affected a speedy recovery.”

There are three known cases of coronavirus at the school and the decision to close was taken in conjunction with NHS Grampian’s public health team.

A statement from Moray Council on Facebook said: “Due to significant number of pupils and staff self-isolating, Milne’s High School is closed on Friday to allow NHS track and trace to contact all affected individuals.

“School will reopen as normal on Monday for those who should attend.”

A local authority spokesman added: “Initial advice has been passed to parents and carers giving details of what to do if their child displays symptoms of Covid-19. We will continue to contact parents and carers directly with any further updates.

“All Moray schools now receive an enhanced clean daily as standard, in line with public health advice. This includes daytime sanitation, and this allows the rest of the school to continue as normal. School buses are also cleaned after each run to ensure safety measures are met.”