Another Lanarkshire pupil tests positive for coronavirus

A pupil at Caldervale High School, Airdrie, has tested positive for Covid-19.

The pupil, who is self-isolating at home with immediate family, attended school on Thursday only.

NHS Lanarkshire has said there is no evidence to suggest transmission in the school, and the wider risk of spreading the virus has been assessed as low.

NHS Lanarkshire's Test and Protect team is in the process of tracing other close contacts.

The team has also identified that the likely source of transmission has been as a result of indoor social gatherings.

All parents of the school's pupils have been notified and the school will be open as normal on Monday.

Dr David Cromie, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health, said: A positive Covid-19 confirmed case has been identified in a pupil at Caldervale High School.

There is currently no evidence of transmission in the school.

There is evidence that mixing socially in the community, particularly around social gatherings in houses, without maintaining physical distancing measures, can transmit the virus and is a factor in this investigation.

Our Test and Protect service is contacting anyone who may have been in close contact with the case.

NHS Lanarkshire is working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and the school to identify all close contacts of the case, who are being given public health advice and being told to self-isolate.

With the route of transmission likely to be through indoor social gatherings, I would urge all parents and young people to stick to the Scottish Government rules in order to avoid future cases within the community resulting in cases in the local schools.''

This positive case is linked to and forms part of NHS Lanarkshire's community-wide investigation, which includes three pupils from St Ambrose High School in Coatbridge and one pupil at St Andrew's High School in Coatbridge testing positive for Covid-19.

This makes eight cases as part of the cluster outbreak in the area.

Derek Brown, executive director, education and families, at North Lanarkshire Council, said: The council is fully supporting the incident management team, led by NHS Lanarkshire, and its test and protect activity.

We will continue to respond to advice from NHS Lanarkshire and provide information and reassurance to parents and carers, pupils and staff.

We fully understand that parents and pupils will be anxious. No blame is attached to anyone who is interviewed by Test and Protect but it is important that as much information as possible is given.

In addition, pupil support within schools is available to any pupil who is anxious or has concerns.''