Hols start with rise in Covid numbers

The number of people having to self-isolate from Perth and Kinross schools in connection with positive Covid-19 cases in schools more than doubled over a two-week period earlier this month.

The latest figures released by

Perth and Kinross Council reveal that, between December 16 and 22, 178 pupils and/or staff had to self-isolate – a rise from the 82 recorded between December 9-15.

The bulk of that number came from Crieff Primary School, where 112 pupils and 11 staff members had to stay away during the same period after what was described as“a maximum of”seven positive cases were reported.

The figures were announced as the latest public Covid-19 numbers for Perth and Kinross over the same period were released.

Between December 15 and 21, 216 new cases were recorded with a seven-day positive rating per 100,000 of 142.2 and a seven-day test positivity rate of 5.5 per cent.

However, despite the rise, only four of the region’s schools in total saw people self-isolate due to positive cases from December 16-22 – two less than from the previous seven-day period.

Breadalbane Academy saw 25 pupils and“no more than three”staff self-isolate after at least two cases.

Kinross High School had 19 pupils self-isolating after at least two cases.

And North Muirton Primary

School saw seven pupils and at least one staff member self-isolate after cases were recorded.

Alyth Primary School, Letham Primary School, Rattray Primary School and Viewlands Primary School all confirmed cases but no pupils or staff were asked to self-isolate at any of the locations.

Cornerstones Nursery in Blairgowrie previously had 85 pupils and 17 staff members self-isolating between December 9-15 after at least nine cases were reported.

But, in the latest weekly statistics, the facility saw no pupils or staff having to self-isolate, despite confirming some cases.

Perth and Kinross Council has previously insisted there has been no evidence of transmission in schools.

A PKC spokesperson said at the time:“We take the safety of our children and young people extremely seriously and have robust risk assessments in place to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus.

“So far there has been no evidence of any transmission between children and young people in schools.

“Whenever there is a confirmed case, pupils and staff who are identified as close contacts are asked to self-isolate as a precautionary measure.

“Pupils are supported to learn at home until they can return to school.”