Area sees spike in number having to self-isolate

The number of people having to self-isolate from Perth and Kinross schools after positive COVID cases has seen a huge spike this month.

And one Perth school alone had at least 100 pupils self-isolating over a seven-day period in December.

A total of 262 individuals had to self-isolate across Perth and Kinross facilities between December 2-8 - at least 97 more than the seven-day period prior.

As recently as the week ending November 11, over 400 pupils had to stay away from class because of infections and that figure dropped to 99 in the week ending December 1.

The latest numbers released by Perth and Kinross Council show that the number of schools recording infections has risen from three to seven between the two recorded periods, but this time no nurseries have had any cases.

Eight pupils and no more than three staff members tested positive in the latest reordings, as opposed to six pupils and five staff the period before.

Through December 2-8 the school with the most individuals selfisolating was Perth High School with 103 - with at least 100 of those being pupils - following no more than three positive cases from pupils.

That number is a big jump up from the previous period where Letham Nursery had the most at 71 following positive cases.

The latest figures also show the Community School of Auchterarder has had a huge spike in the number self-isolating with 63 following no more than three positive cases from pupils.

Kinross Primary School had to have 27 self-isolate, also after a positive result from no more than three pupils.

St Stephen’s RC Primary School had 22 individuals self-isolating following no more than three positive pupil cases.

North Muirton Primary School (17), Letham Primary School (11) and Kinross High School (10) also saw individuals self-isolate due to positive COVID cases from either pupils or staff members.

Responding to the figures previously, Perth and Kinross Council insisted there had been no evidence of in-school transmission.

A PKC spokesperson said:“We take the safety of our children and young people extremely seriously and have robust risk assessments in place to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus.

“So far there has been no evidence of any transmission between children and young people in schools. Whenever there is a confirmed case, pupils and staff who are identified as close contacts are asked to self-isolate as a precautionary measure.

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