Positive test for primary pupil

Classmates at Dundee school told to stay home

Pupils at St Clement’s RC Primary have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days after a classmate tested positive for coronavirus.

All pupils in the primary three class at the school will have to stay at home for a fortnight after a case was discovered.

Health chiefs have moved to assure parents the class will be deep cleaned as a result and pupils in other years can still attend the Charleston school.

Those isolating will be asked not to return to school until at least Tuesday September 1.

Chairwoman of the incident management team Dr Ellie Hothersall said: “Parents of the wider school population at St Clement’s have been reassured that if they have not been contacted individually, their child has not been identified as a contact of a case.

“They can continue to attend school and undertake other activities as normal.

“The P3 classroom will be deep cleaned and risk assessments are being carried out. Parents should be assured that all appropriate precautions are in place and the school remains open.

“It is important that those who are asked to self-isolate do so to prevent further transmission of the virus in our communities.”

St Clement’s is now the fourth school in Dundee to confirm a case since pupils returned to the classroom last week.

Grove Academy in Broughty Ferry has one pupil confirmed positive with the virus, while 14 close contacts are self-isolating. The school remains open.

Kingspark has 34 confirmed cases – 21 members of staff, three pupils and 10 community contacts.

The specialist school has closed and all pupils and staff asked to isolate.

Those in the household of someone isolating at Kingspark who cannot maintain physical distancing measures are also being asked to self-isolate.

SS Peter and Paul RC primary has one confirmed case, with the primary 2A class being asked to stay at home and isolate until September 2.

The school is still open, while health bosses say close contacts to the pupil are being identified and are complying with isolation requests.

Two cases have also been confirmed at Happy Times out-of-school care club, both of which are linked to the outbreak at Kingspark.

Paul Clancy, Dundee City Council executive director of children and families services, said: “Parents may be feeling more anxious as positive cases are identified in schools, however parents should be reassured that we are working closely with colleagues in Public Health to ensure there is a swift and appropriate response to ensure pupil and staff safety.”

The Scottish Government altered its position on face coverings earlier this week, with pupils at secondary schools being asked to wear one as they walk between classes.

Children over five will also be asked to wear coverings on school buses also.

The Welsh government yesterday announced similar measures for when pupils return, while Westminster will also ask older pupils to wear coverings.