Glenrothes pupils spark Covid fears among residents.

Social-distance concerns growing throughout area

Twelve cases of Covid-19 have now been identified in connection with a Tayside school for children with additional support needs, including one pupil.

All staff and pupils at Kingspark School in Dundee have been told to self-isolate for 14 days while the school remains closed, along with any parents, carers or siblings unable to maintain physical distancing in the household.

Dr Ellie Hothersall, consultant in public health medicine with NHS Tayside, said: “Due to the complex needs of the pupils and the very close proximity of care required, the situation at the school is highly complex. We are therefore taking the precaution at this time of advising that all staff self isolate for 14 days from the date they were last on site.”

Paul Clancy, Dundee City Council executive director of children and families services, said: “This action is being taken to keep everyone safe.”

It follows cases at two primary schools in Perth and Kinross – Oakbank in Perth and Newhill in Blairgowrie – and comes amid mounting concern that pupils and parents across Tayside and Fife are failing to stick to safety guidelines.

Two Dundee mothers who have been shielding say they have been “appalled” by the lack of social distancing by fellow parents during their school run.

Debbie Dunn has written to Victoria Park Primary, and Dundee City Council head of education Audrey May, to raise concerns at adults and children “bottlenecking” into the school grounds.

Debbie has been shielding throughout lockdown and her mother is in a highrisk category with asthma. She has also been collecting a child for a friend recovering from cancer treatment.

Debbie said the situation has deteriorated since the first week of reopening, when class start times were staggered.

Fellow parent Lesley Falconer said: “I’ve just undergone a year of cancer treatment and it sickens me how busy that playground is at home time.”

A council spokesman said the schools and nursery have a system in place to support and encourage physical distancing in and around the campus, which is being continuously reviewed.

Residents near one of Fife’s biggest schools have also raised concerns over large gatherings of school children in public areas during breaks.

Groups of pupils have been reported outside the grounds at Auchmuty High in Glenrothes and at nearby shops.

Auchmuty and Dovecot Tenants Association secretary Alex Thomson said: “Numerous residents have contacted us expressing genuine concerns regarding the lack of social distancing and the lack of face masks and coverings being worn amongst many teenagers coming from the school during the daytime.”

A Fife Council spokesperson said the parents and guardians of every child returning to education had been sent details of Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland directives.

Education and children’s services head Shelagh McLean said: “We are following public health advice and talking to our colleagues in NHS Fife about any actions required regarding Covid-19.”