Fifth pupil tests positive for Covid in North Lanarkshire

A fifth school pupil in North Lanarkshire has tested positive for coronavirus.

The student attended Caldervale High School, Airdrie, on Thursday only and is self-isolating at home.

The health board said there is no evidence of transmission in the school, which will be open as normal on Monday.

This latest case is linked to seven others in Lanarkshire, including three pupils from St Ambrose High School and one pupil at St Andrew’s High School in Coatbridge.

Dr David Cromie, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health, said: “There is currently no evidence of transmission in the school.

“There is evidence that mixing socially in the community, particularly around social gatherings in houses, without maintaining physical distancing measures can transmit the virus and is a factor in this investigation.

“Our Test and Protect service is contacting anyone who may have been in close contact with the case.

“NHS Lanarkshire is working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and the school to identify all close contacts of the case who are being given public health advice and being told to self-isolate.

“With the route of transmission likely to be through indoor social gatherings, I would urge all parents and young people to stick to the Scottish Government rules in order to avoid future cases within the community resulting in cases in the local schools.”

No more than eight people from a maximum of three households are allowed to gather indoors.

Social distancing applies to anyone from separate households, unless they are under the age of 12.

Dr Cromie added: “We are aware that there will still be concern both for pupils and their parents/carers at this time and I wanted to reassure them that all settings which the individual has attended during their infectious period are being identified and assessed.”