Two more positives at Holy Cross High

Two more pupils from Holy Cross High were identified as having coronavirus last week.

NHS Lanarkshire confirmed the cases with a letter to parents/carers lastwednesday afternoon.the Advertiser understands a number of pupils linked to those who tested positive were sent home that morning as a precaution.

This marked the fourth pupil to test positive, as well as two members of staff, in recent weeks.

John Logan, consultant in public health medicine, said:“two more pupils have been reported as positive for coronavirus.

“Further investigation and assessment has been undertaken and the NHS Lanarkshiretest and Protect team is carrying out contract tracing.

“Due to the new restrictions 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’d wish to reassure you the risk to the wider school community remains low and the school will remain open. I recognise that after being notified of other positive cases that you may have concerns. However, the evidence suggests transmission of the virus in the community rather than in school has taken place.

“NHS Lanarkshire has worked with the school and SLC education department and carried out a full risk assessment.

“The ongoing cleaning programme has been reviewed and will continue. An additional complete clean of the Holy Cross High was undertaken last weekend after the two new cases were last at the school.”

A council spokesperson said:“we can confirm that a number of pupils and teachers at Holy Cross are isolating. This is on NHS public health advice and is standard procedure for anyone identified bytest and Protect as being a close contact of someone who has tested positive.

“Because Lanarkshire has been placed under further restrictions, this also applies to everyone in any household of which any member has been identified as a close contact.“