Spate of new cases at schools across Tayside and Fife

Close contacts have been asked to isolate after at least 15 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Tayside and Fife schools – as a nursery school closes due to staff shortages.

To r r y b u r n Primary School is one of 11 schools in Fife to record new cases of the virus.

NHS Fife has confirmed two new positive cases associated with the school. The school’s nursery was closed yesterday morning as a result of “staff shortages”, the council said.

Howe ver, it remains unclear whether the closure is related to coronavirus cases.

Single cases were detected at Pa t h h e a d Primary School, Kirkcaldy, St Columba’s RC Primary School, in Cupar, Kinglassie

Primary School Columba’s High Dunfermline.

There have also been two further cases at Balwearie High School in Kirkcaldy, taking the total number of positive cases there since the start of term to five.

St Andrew’s RC High School, also in Kirkcaldy, has recorded a further case of Covid-19 – resulting in a cumulative figure of three since schools returned in October.

Meanwhile, two people linked with Auchmuty High School in Glenrothes, and individuals at Lochgelly High School, Levenmouth A c a d e my, Buckhaven, and St Columba’s High School in Dunfermline, tested positive for the virus. NHS Fife also confirmed single case associated and St School, with a nursery class at Pitcoudie Primary School in Glenrothes.

In all cases, pupils were in school during their infectious period. However, NHS Fife said this does not automatically mean there is evidence of transmission within the schools.

A case has also been confirmed in a senior pupil attending Grove Academy in Dundee.

Close contacts of the S6 pupil have been identified and asked to isolate for a fortnight – returning to school on November 19.

Rector Graham Hutton wrote to reassure parents yesterday morning.

He said: “Please be assured that if you have not been contacted individually, your child has not been identified as a contact of the case, and they can continue to attend school and undertake other activities as normal.

“I recognise that this information may be concerning to you. Please be assured that Grove Academy remains open.

“The school is working in par tnership with NHS Tayside, Public Health Scotland and Dundee City Council children and families service.”

Please be assured that the school remains open

SINGLE CASE: Grove Academy rector Graham Hutton wrote to parents after an S6 pupil at the school tested positive.