An entire class at a Fife secondary school has been told to stay at home after a pupil was diagnosed with coronavirus.
NHS Fife confirmed on Monday evening that the youngster, at Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline, had tested positive for Covid-19.
Parents of those in the second year class and of pupils who travelled home on a particular bus on Friday afternoon were told to keep their children off school on Tuesday.
The pupil infected was said to have mild symptoms and is isolating at home with other household members.
Those who had been in contact with them are being informed and assessed, and a public health investigation has been launched.
The health authority said there was no evidence to suggest any onward transmission within the school yet.
NHS Fife can confirm that a pupil at Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline has tested positive for COVID-19. There is no evidence to suggest any onward transmission within the school at this stage.
Find out more here:- https://t.co/Od6ukXWLBI— NHS Fife (@nhsfife) August 31, 2020
NHS Fife deputy director of public health, Dr Esther Curnock, said: “We appreciate that both pupils and parents may be concerned, however, the risk of contracting coronavirus remains low.
“Contact tracers from the Test and Protect team are currently in the process of identifying and tracing those who have come into close contact with the positive case to provide appropriate public health support and advice.”
She advised anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste – to request a test through the UK government citizens’ portal or by calling 0800 028 2816.
Shelagh McLean, Fife Council head of education and children’s services, said: “We are following public health advice and talking with our colleagues in NHS Fife about actions required regarding Covid-19.
“With their direction, we are taking all appropriate actions, including that relating to Test and Protect and contact with any confirmed case linked to one of our schools.”
Other schools affected
The case is the second associated with a school in Fife, another having been diagnosed at Newburgh Primary School nursery.
Pupils and staff have tested positive at several other schools in Tayside, including Kingspark School, Dundee, where 40 people, mostly adults, have now been infected.
Only a single case has been identified at each of the schools and one out-of-school club, except at Kingspark, where three pupils, 23 members of staff and 14 community contacts are affected.
A list of questions and answers about Covid-19 for parents and carers are on Fife Council’s website.
