School doors stay closed to most pupils
High rate of Covid cases seen in Fallin and Braehead
Fallin Primary and nursery will remain closed to most children until the end of the week as the area battles sky-high Covid-19 case rates.
The measures were introduced on Friday following positive Covid-19 tests being recorded both at schools and in the wider community, with council officials describing the move as a “proactive step”.
All pupils not deemed vulnerable or children of key workers returned to remote learning for a week until Friday, while Fallin-based pupils of other schools are set to head back to their schools today after also being in remote learning since last Friday.
An asymptomatic testing centre has also been in place at Fallin Community Centre for use by children and their families based in Fallin and Throsk.
It comes as the Fallin area has recorded the most coronavirus cases of anywhere in Stirling, with 27 new cases reported over the seven-day period to March 12 taking the average rate to a massive 946.7 cases per 100,000 of population.
The next highest locally is Braehead, which recorded an average of 805.5 per 100,000.
These are the only two areas in the Stirling region who are included in the highest banding of over 400 cases per 100,000.
Fallin Primary and Nursery pupils - and their families - will have exclusive access to the testing centre from tomorrow (March 18) until Saturday, having already had access to testing over the weekend.
Meanwhile, children from the village who attend other schools were offered access from Monday until yesterday.
Stirling Council leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, said: “The safety of our communities and staff is our top priority and we have put these targeted measures in place in consultation with partners to prevent the virus from spreading further.
“The recent surge in positive cases in Fallin comes against a backdrop of consistently high levels of Covid-19 in that community and, with thanks to NHS Forth Valley, we have taken decisive action to tackle this developing situation.
“I would encourage all families we have contacted to get a test. Support is available if someone tests positive and they need to stay off work, so please take this opportunity to get tested and protect your family.”
The decision was made following consultations between NHS Forth Valley’s Test and Protect team and Stirling Council, with testing arrangements put in place following a “careful risk assessment”.
NHS Forth Valley consultant in public health, Dr Henry Prempeh, said: “The new coronavirus variant is highly infectious and I would urge the families contacted by schools to take up the opportunity of a test to protect both your family and loved ones, as well as the wider community.
“Although the number of Covid cases in hospital is decreasing, the virus is still very much out there, and we cannot afford to become complacent.
“I would also like to stress the importance of continuing to follow the national guidance to minimise the risk of transmission. This includes two metre physical distancing; the use of face masks in public and work places, washing your hands with soap regularly; and using hand gel where appropriate.”