Primary schools closed after coronavirus outbreaks

Primary schools in Ayrshire and the Western Isles closed after outbreaks of coronavirus were detected only weeks after they reopened.

Stornoway Primary School closed its doors last week after a confirmed case which had “impacts on key aspects of the operation of both the school and nursery”.

Bus services to and from Stornoway were cancelled on Thursday due to contract tracing procedures. The school has since reopened having been deep cleaned.

Netherthird Primary and Early Childhood Centre in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, has closed after a number of Covid-19 cases were confirmed with community transmission.

Scottish primary schools reopened for the youngest pupils on February 22, with the remainder set to return next week on March 15.

Secondary school pupils will return on a part-time basis with senior students taking national qualifications being given priority for face-to-face lessons.

There have been outbreaks reported in schools in East Dunbartonshire and West Lothian too.

A spokesperson for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “[The council] can confirm that all checks and deep cleans have been completed at Stornoway Primary and the school and nursery will re-open on Monday, March 8.

“In line with Scottish Government announcements, pupils in P4-7 will be able to return to school from March 15.”

Lynne McNiven, joint director of public health, said: “NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Test & Protect team is currently conducting a contact tracing exercise with links to Netherthird Primary in the East Ayrshire Council area.

“Close contacts identified through this process are being advised to self-isolate for 10 days by the Test and Protect Team.

“We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure people that every measure is being taken to protect pupils and staff.

“To respect and maintain patient confidentiality it is not possible to release any further information at this time.”