Second positive at Holy Cross

A second pupil at Holy Cross High in Hamilton has tested positive for coronavirus.

NHS Lanarkshire confirmed the case with a letter to parents/carers of those at the school on Saturday evening.

This is the second pupil to test positive and the fourth person associated with the school, after two staff members were also confirmed to have Covid-19 last week.

The NHS Lanarkshiretest and Protect team has carried out contact tracing in relation to this latest case.the pupil and related close contacts are being advised to self-isolate at home.

Following a further investigation the health board reassured parents that the “risk to the wider school community remains low”and the school would open as normal on Monday morning.

John Logan, consultant in public health medicine, said:“another pupil has tested positive and, therefore, an additional investigation and assessment of the situation has been undertaken.

“Due to the new restrictions which the Scottish Government introduced for residents of South Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire the household members of pupils and staff who are required to self-isolate at home are also required to self-isolate for 14 days.

“I recognise that being notified earlier this week of other positive cases that you may have concerns. However, the evidence at this time suggests that transmission of the virus in the community rather than in school has taken place.

“I am aware that there will be concern for children and young people, their parents and staff at this time, however, I want to reassure you that NHS Lanarkshire has carried out a full risk assessment and an additional complete clean of the Holy Cross High School building is being undertaken over the weekend.

“Noting the increased infection rates in Lanarkshire, it is important to bear in mind that mixing socially in the community without maintaining physical distancing measures helps the virus to spread widely.

“It is therefore important that people remain vigilant and follow physical distancing guidance, and maintain good hand hygiene.

“Individuals or their close contacts who experience any Covid-19 symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever or loss of taste or smell, even if they are mild, should stay off school or work and get tested.

“Information on how to access testing is available from NHS Inform.”