450 pupils told to self-isolate during October holidays

Atotal of 450 pupils from a Fife high school have been told to self-isolate for most of the October holiday.

As the number of cases linked with Beath High School rose to 15, it emerged that more than a third of its pupil population had been advised to isolate.

Two more schools and a nursery in the region – Tayport Primary, Madras College in St Andrews, and Rimbleton Primary nursery – are also the latest to have people test positive for coronavirus.

After pupils and staff broke off for the two-week holiday, Beath High School issued a message to those required to stay at home for most of it.

It tweeted: “Shout out to the 450 Beath pupils instructed to self-isolate for the majority of their holiday by Public Health Scotland via our Groupcall system.

“We’re thinking of you all during this challenging situation.”

The number of pupils from other schools currently isolating has not been published, but a week ago Kirkcaldy High School said 100 of its youngsters had been asked to do so due to two cases there.

Single cases at the other schools were confirmed by NHS Fife late on Sunday night.

Pupils in P5/6 (room 6) at Tayport, identified close contacts at the St Andrews secondary and children in the nurser y ’s Rainbow Room have been asked to self-isolate.

Over the weekend, teaching union NASUWT voiced deep concern that a spike in the number of secondary school-age children testing positive was putting staff at risk.

Parents were directed by NHS Fife to the council’s website, and a local online support hub created to provide details on testing and updates on the pandemic, for more information on questions and answers.

A reminder was issued that anyone with symptoms of the virus – a fever, new and continuous cough, or a loss or change in the sense of taste or smell – should arrange testing using the UK Government Citizens’ Portal or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Head of Education and Children’s Services Shelagh McL ean said: “We are working closely with colleagues in NHS Fife and Public Health Scotland to keep our school communities safe.

“Pupils are being advised to isolate as a precaution to help stop the wider spread of the virus, and information has been sent directly to affected pupils and parents.

“Enhanced cleaning measures are in place.

“After the holidays, all staff and pupils will be reminded of the importance of the need to keep a two-metre distance, hand hygiene, using surface wipes before and after using equipment and the need to wear face masks in communal areas, on school transport and where two-metre distancing can’ t be maintained.”