Pupils sent home

Two classes at a Wishaw primary school were sent home and asked to self-isolate after two pupils tested positive for Covid-19.

NHS Lanarkshire is working closely with the council with regards to the cases and is in the process of contacting close contacts who may be affected.

The health board’s test and protect team will continue to contact anyone who may be affected and provide public health advice.

However, as a precautionary measure, pupils in a primary three and primary five class as well as four staff members are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

In a letter to parents, NHS Lanarkshire Public Health Consultant Ashley Goodfellow said: “Following the findings of a review, there is no evidence currently to suggest that there is transmission in the school.

“The risk to the wider school community is low and the school will remain open. It is important to bear in mind that mixing socially in the community without maintaining physical distancing measures helps the virus to spread widely.

“It is therefore important that people remain vigilant and follow physical distancing guidance.

“We are aware that there will be concern for children, their parents and staff at this time. However, I want to reassure you that North Lanarkshire Council has carried out enhanced cleaning of the building of Wishaw Academy Primary School.”

Ms Goodfellow also took the opportunity to remind people that good hand hygiene is essential to combat transmission of the virus and pupils and staff should wash their hands thoroughly and regularly using soap and water for 20 seconds.

Last week, there were moves to calm parents fears after a pupil at a Wishaw high school tested positive for Covid-19.

Parents and carers were sent an email stating a pupil at Coltness High School had contracted coronavirus.

And NHS Lanarkshire also confirmed that a “small number” of supermarket workers at Tesco in Wishaw had tested positive.

Dr David Cromie, consultant in public health medicine, said: “The key symptoms of Covid-19 are – new continuous cough, high temperature and/or loss of taste and smell. Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately.”