Film shows pupils without masks in crowded corridor

An investigation has been launched after video emerged of pupils – many without face masks – packed into a Dundee school corridor.

Scores of youngsters can be seen crowded in the confined space in Harris Academy in the footage filmed last week, shortly after it emerged two pupils at the school had tested positive for Covid-19.

The clip also shows an adult – likely to be a member of staff – pushing through the crowd in the opposite direction.

A group of pupils are understood to have caused the pile-up by blocking the corridor which leads to a dining area.

Parents were horrified to see the video which has been circulating on social media amid a spike in the city’s infection rate.

One said: “We are trusting that the school is as safe as it can be and with cases increasing day by day this video worries me.” Another said: “For a school that has had two confirmed cases this week, this should definitely not be happening.

“There should be staggered exits and teachers making sure the corridors are cleared.

“Any pupils causing this should be dealt with appropriately.”

Describing the scene as diabolical, another said: “I’m surprised the whole school hasn’t got Covid.”

Some parents said their children had repor ted frequent crowding, but others said the incident was isolated, and praised the school’s effor ts to enforce safety measures.

Scottish Government guidance does not require physical distancing between young people in secondar y schools but states it should be promoted where possible.

In common with other schools Harris Academy has introduced one-way corridors and signs directing pupils and staff where to walk, alongside enhanced cleaning and hand sanitising.

Despite opening only four years ago the £ 31 million school building is already at capacity with more than 1,300 pupils.

Harris Academy Parent Council chairman Graham McKay said: “Whilst I agree that the video raises questions and possible concerns, I continue to believe the school and its management are doing as much as they can to keep our young people safe in a challenging environment and are following the guidance provided at a Scottish Government and local authority level.”

In a statement issued after the video’s publication, he said he had spoken to head teacher Barry Millar.

Mr McKay said: “Mr Millar has assured me that this incident was as a result of a small number of individuals pre venting pupils moving through the corridor.

“As such this will be dealt with by the school under their normal procedures.”

He also said that in line with Scottish Government guidance, schools could do no more than request that pupils wear face coverings, and he highlighted other infection control measures, including separate break times for junior and senior pupils and staggered lunchtimes.

A Dundee City Council spokesman said :“The school has fully investigated the events which happened in the corridor last week and appropriate action has been taken.

“Refreshed guidance is being given to staff and pupils about safety when moving around the school, as well as reminding young people about the need to wear face coverings.

“The head teacher is also sending a communication to families about these issues.”

LOGJAM: A screenshot from the video appears to show a corridor at Harris Academy packed with pupils.