School stays open after positive test
Dozens of students at a Motherwell high school are selfisolating after a teacher tested positive for coronavirus.
Worried parents claim up to 60 pupils at Taylor High School have been notified by contact tracing teams after a member of staff fell ill.
In a letter sent to pupils and their families last week, headteacher Gerry McCormick confirmed a teacher had tested positive for the virus.
He said: “I attach a letter from the Consultant in Public Health Medicine, NHS Lanarkshire regarding a member of staff who has tested positive for Covid-19.
“All known close contacts of this teacher have already been contacted by members of school staff and provided with a letter from the NHS.
“Unless you have been contacted already, your child or children have not been judged to be close contacts of the teacher concerned.”
He added: “Thank you for your continued support with the wearing of face coverings in recent weeks.
“Please try to ensure that your child/ children bring their own face coverings where possible.”
Dr S Josephine Pravinkumar, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health medicine, said: “NHS Lanarkshire’s test and protect team has carried out contact tracing after a staff member at Taylor High school tested positive for Covid-19.
“They are currently self-isolating at home.
“NHS Lanarkshire is working closely with North Lanarkshire Council with regards to the case and has now contacted all close contacts.
“Public health advice has been given to these individuals and they are being told to self-isolate.
“The risk to the wider school community is currently low and the school will remain open as normal.”