Aberdeenshire primary school shuts as staff forced into self isolation after case

A primary school in Aberdeenshire has been closed after a case of Covid-19 connected with the institution.

Aberdeenshire Council said a number of staff from Peterhead Central Primary School were self-isolating after a case was confirmed within the school team.

Pupils had not yet returned to the school, which was closed on Wednesday due to weather issues.

It remained shut yesterday and parents have been informed of the situation.

NHS Grampian said it was working to trace close contacts. An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “A number of staff from Peterhead Central Primary School are currently self-isolating following the identification of a confirmed case of coronavirus within the school team.

“Peterhead Central Primary School will remain closed for the remainder of the week as arrangements are made to ensure suitable staffing numbers for the school to reopen.

“Further information will be provided to parents when we are able to confirm an opening date.”

NHS Grampian said it was working closely with the council.

A health board spokeswoman said: “We are investigating a detected case of Covid-19, connected with a primary school in Peterhead.

“Our health protection and Test and Protect teams are working hard to establish who close contacts may be and advising them to isolate.

“We are also working very closely with our colleagues at Aberdeenshire Council.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she expects coronavirus outbreaks to happen in schools as children return to classes.

She said they were likely to occur in secondary schools in particular, with older pupils able to catch and transmit the virus more easily.