Third school linked to Lanarkshire cluster after pupil tests positive
impact of the crisis, the charity has been forced to make 15 redundancies, which were finalised following a monthlong consultation period during June and July.
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home chief executive Lindsay Fyffe-jardine said: “The team at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has worked tirelessly through the Covid-19 crisis to continue to protect and care for animals whose owners can no longer do so.
“During this period we have been overwhelmed by the love and support of our local community who have rallied behind us, but unfortunately it has not been enough to shield us from the devastating financial losses from cancelled events, cancelled fundraising initiatives and cancelled pet boarding bookings, the closure of our shops, and the evaporation of multiple other income streams.”
She continued: “The home currently has enough reserves to remain in operation until the end of 2020, but its medium to long-term future is uncertain without making significant organisational changes.
“The closure of our shops and boarding has brought with it a huge amount of nostalgia and appreciation for everything our staff, supporters, customers and volunteers have done for these services over the years. These decisions have been heartbreaking, but we know that we must put the future of the home first and make every decision on the best interests of our animals.”
The charity has been carrying out its mission to rescue, reunite and rehome stray, lost and abandoned dogs and cats since 1883 and is part of the fabric of Edinburgh and the Lothians. In recent years, the home has come under new leadership and has expanded its work in the community.
As well as fundraising struggles, the charity says it was also ineligible to access various Covid-19 emergency funds for charities from both government funds and charitable trusts.
The government-imposed lockdown and travel ban caused an immediate drop in demand and closure of their pet boarding service.
It is developing a new strategy focusing on long-term sustainable income streams. It costs around £2.7 million a year to run the charity. Last year the charity rescued 499 dogs and 152 cats.
A third school has been linked to a Lanarkshire coronavirus cluster after a pupil at Caldervale High School, Airdrie tested positive for Covid-19.
The pupil, who is selfisolating at home with immediate family, attended school on Thursday only.
There are now eight confirmed cases as part of the cluster outbreak in the area.
NHS Lanarkshire has said there is no evidence to suggest transmission in the school, and the wider risk of spreading the virus has been assessed as low.
NHS Lanarkshire’s Test and Protect team is in the process of tracing other close contacts.
The team has also identified that the likely source of transmission has been as a result of indoor social gatherings.
All parents of the school’s pupils have been notified and the school will be open as normal today.
Dr David Cromie, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health, said: “A positive Covid-19 confirmed case has been identified in a pupil at Caldervale High School. There is currently no evidence of transmission in the school.
“There is evidence that mixing socially in the community, particularly around social gatherings in houses, without maintaining physical distancing measures, can transmit the virus and is a factor in this investigation.
“Our Test and Protect service is contacting anyone who may have been in close contact with the case.
“NHS Lanarkshire is working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and the school to identify all close contacts of the case, who are being given public health advice and being told to self-isolate. With transmission likely to be through indoor social gatherings, I would urge all parents and young people to stick to the Scottish Government rules in order to avoid future cases within the community resulting in cases in the local schools.”
This positive case is linked to and forms part of NHS Lanarkshire’s community-wide investigation, which includes three pupils from St Ambrose High School in Coatbridge and one pupil at St Andrew’s High School in Coatbridge testing positive for Covid-19.
Derek Brown, executive director, education and families, at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “We will continue to respond to advice from NHS Lanarkshire and provide information and reassurance to parents and carers, pupils and staff.
“We fully understand that parents and pupils will be anxious.
“No blame is attached to anyone who is interviewed by Test and Protect but it is important that as much information as possible is given.”