Parents fearful as Dundee pupils checked after positive test result

Pupils at a Dundee school have been tested for coronavirus after a confirmed case was reported.

Parents were told yesterday that an adult “within” Kingspark School had tested positive for Covid-19.

NHS Tayside said it was an individual case connected to the additional support needs school, but it is understood more pupils and parents have since been tested.

Dr Ellie Hothersall, consultant in public health medicine, said, “NHS Tayside, Dundee City Council and partners have been working to investigate the case and inquiries are ongoing. Parents should be assured all appropriate precautions are in place and the school remains open.”

Mo Cameron, whose six-year-old son Aden is a Kingspark pupil, said she believed the school has been following all guidelines, but added: “I’m as worried as any other parent would be when they are told there is a positive case at school. I just hope this hasn’t triggered a cluster as then I will be more worried.”

Another parent, who asked not to be named, said her son and partner have been tested and she is nervously awaiting results. Head teacher Paul Dow alerted parents via a school app yesterday afternoon but some staff and parents found out on social media.

The app message said: “I was notified this morning that a person within Kingspark had been tested positive with Covid-19. This person developed symptoms over the weekend and was tested yesterday.

“We’re following procedures and I have been in constant discussion with the health protection team. The families and staff who have been identified through contact tracing have been alerted.”

A joint statement from NHS Tayside and Dundee City Council said: “A problem assessment group has been convened to identify any further actions which may need to be taken.”

“All appropriate precautions are in place and the school remains open. DR ELLIE HOTHERSALL