COVID CASE IN HIGH SCHOOL
Staff member tests positive for virus
A member of staff at a Rutherglen school ha has tested positive for co coronavirus. Th The news from Stonelaw High cam came as teachers in the area told the Ref Reformer they feared some pupils with Covid-19 symptoms were not being tested and returning to school without isolating for two weeks.
The positive test was announced on Monday by NHS Lanarkshire, but the health board stressed the affected staff member was not someone who had been in contact with pupils.
A small number of other staff at the school who have had contact with the affected individual were informed of the news and are now self-isolating as well.
South Lanarkshire Council has carried out “enhanced cleaning” at the school as a result, and it remains open.
However, staff members who spoke
to the Reformer expressed concerns over pupils with symptoms.
One said:“There are pupils who go off with symptoms but aren’t being tested.
“They are then quickly back in school without self-isolating and at risk of spreading the virus again.
“It also means the track and trace isn’t triggered either.
“From speaking to friends at other schools it’s happening across the board in other areas, with some parents not wanting to be off work and thinking that, because it’s only mild symptoms, they’ll send their children back to school.
“There are plenty of parents who are keeping their kids off and playing it safe, but it is hard not to be anxious about the ones who don’t do that. It’s impossible to socially distance in school, so there are risks.”
The Stonelaw High member of staff is the second coronavirus case at an education establishment in Rutherglen in the past week, after a youngster at the Ace Place Nursery tested positive.
The nursery remained open after the council found no evidence that there had been any transmission of the illness on the premises.
Dr David Cromie, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health medicine, said:“NHS Lanarkshire’s Test and Protect service has worked closely with South Lanarkshire Council, the schools and nursery to identify all close contacts of the cases who are being given public health advice and being required to self-isolate.
“We are aware that there will be concern among pupils and parents at this time.
“We would like to reassure the local community that appropriate measures are being implemented.
“Individuals should stay off school or work and get tested if they, or their close contacts, experience any Covid-19 symptoms – such as a new continuous cough, fever or loss of taste or smell - even if they are mild.”
Visit www.nhsinform.scot for information on arranging testing.
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