Third of pupils at Midlothian high school reported absent from classes
Lasswade High School had 460 of its 1,500 pupils absent yesterday, with about 160 selfisolating, Midlothian Council has confirmed.
The other missing pupils were absent due to non-Covid-related sickness or because their parents kept them off.
In a letter from Lothian NHS Board to parents notifying them of a“small number of confirmed cases ”, parents were told that those children who had come into contact with the virus must stay home for 10 days.
The letter continued: “We understand this is a very worrying time for parents and carers.
"We wish to reassure you that Lothian Health protection team have carried out a detailed risk assessment with the school management team in line with national guidance and great care is taken to ensure all those who may qualify as a close contact are contacted and advised to self-isolate. Enhanced cleaning measures and all other appropriate infection control measures are already in place in the school in line with national guidance.
"The school remains open and if your child has not been identified as a close contact then they should continue to attend school if they remain well.
"Please be assured the safety of pupils and staff is paramount and we would not ask you to continue to send your child to school were it not safe to do so.
“The measures your school has in place are necessary to protect children, staff and you as parents/carers. We must continue to work together and support the school staff in making the school as safe as possible, even if this feels difficult at times.”