Dundee and Fife pupils test positive for Covid-19

Youngsters self-isolating at home for two weeks amid school safety assurances

Cases of Covid-19 have been found in schools in Dundee and Fife, resulting in a number of pupils having to self-isolate.

The pair of positive cases were in St John’s RC High School and Dens Road Primary in the city, and Capshard Primary School, Kirkcaldy.

Parents of pupils identified as close contacts at St John’s have been contacted and advised to self-isolate for 14 days until September 17.

Parents of all pupils in the P4/5 composite class were also advised as a precaution that their children should self-isolate until the same date.

It is understood there is a family connection between the latest cases in the city. Both pupils are said to have mild symptoms.

Pupils in a P1 and P1/2 composite class at Capshard were told to stay at home yesterday while contact tracing is conducted, and parents of those identified as close contacts will be informed today by the Test and Protect team. All three schools remain open.

They are among 13 in Tayside and Fife that have been affected by Covid-19.

NHS Tayside announced the latest Dundee cases late on Sunday evening and said it was working with Dundee City Council, the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland.

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 we are working closely with colleagues in public health to ensure there is a swift and appropriate response to ensure pupil and staff safety.”

Dr Emily Stevenson, specialty registrar in public health, told parents at the schools: “Please be reassured that if you have not been contacted individually, your child has not been identified as a contact of a case in either of these schools, and they can continue to attend school and undertake other activities as normal.

“Risk assessments are being carried out, however parents should be assured that all appropriate precautions are in place and the schools remain open.”

The Capshard pupil who tested positive was said to have mild symptoms and is isolating at home with other household members.

NHS Fife, which revealed the case yesterday, said there was no evidence of onward transmission within the school at this stage.

Its deputy director of public health, Dr Esther Curnock, said: “NHS Fife’s health protection team have been working closely with our colleagues at Fife Council’s education department to identify any close contacts and we remain satisfied that the risk of contracting coronavirus remains low.

“Our Test and Protect team are currently in the process of contacting the families of those who have come into close contact with the positive case to provide appropriate public health support and advice.”

Paul Clancy, Dundee City Council executive director of children and families services.