School Covid cases towards the end of term

More than 150 east Perthshire pupils were asked to isolate recently following a number of positive Covid-19 cases connected to two schools.

Perth and Kinross Council last week announced that nine youngsters at Blairgowrie High School had tested positive for coronavirus between June 16 and 22.

As a result, the local authority said 140 pupils were asked to observe the Scottish Government’s isolation procedures and stay at home.

No staff at the Beeches Road school were asked to isolate, despite what was described as “fewer than three” positive tests being returned within the workforce in the same time period.

Elsewhere in the town, 26 pupils at Newhill Primary School were instructed to isolate after “fewer than three” positive tests were returned. “Fewer than three” staff were also affected, according to the council.

Across Perth and Kinross as a whole, a total of 40 positive tests were returned within the pupil roll and eight within the workforce.

A total of 458 youngsters were asked to isolate, along with 21 members of staff.

A council spokesperson said: “We take the safety of our children and young people extremely seriously and have robust risk assessments in place

“We have an established process in place to deal with any cases of Covid-19 in line with national and local health guidance.

“Whenever there is a confirmed case, pupils and staff who are identified as close contacts are asked to selfisolate as a precautionary measure.

“Pupils are supported to learn at home until they can return to school.

“For clarity, there would be no requirement for other pupils and/or staff to self-isolate where no close contacts of confirmed cases have been identified.”