Covid-19 clusters in Glasgow and Lanarkshire "linked"

Health officials have confirmed coronavirus clusters in Glasgow and Lanarkshire are linked.

Pupils from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lanarkshire areas are self-isolating as attempts are made to contain a number of Covid-19 outbreaks across Scotland.

An additional coronavirus case was confirmed in a pupil at Bannerman High School in Baillieston, Glasgow, after the Test and Protect service identified a cluster of positive cases in the north-east of the city.

Later on Monday, NHSGGC confirmed a total of 14 positive cases were in the cluster, a number of which are pupils.

The health board's Dr Iain Kennedy said: “We can confirm there are links between this cluster and cases within Lanarkshire Health Board.

“We work closely on cross-board issues on a regular basis, including the current clusters, where investigations are ongoing.

“There is currently no evidence of transmission in the schools.

“There is evidence that mixing socially, particularly around social gatherings in houses, without maintaining physical distancing measures can transmit the virus and is a factor in these investigations.”

In a letter to parents, carers and pupils, NHSGGC said none of the cases had been present at the school during the period in which they may be infectious to others up until now.

However, it also said the new case was there during this infectious period, with a risk assessment undertaken to identify any other pupils and staff they had contact with during this time.

These individuals are being contacted by the Test and Protect team and told to self-isolate.

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “Public health's assessment is that the infection is unlikely to have occurred within the school and is linked to the Baillieston virus cluster.

“Close contacts have been notified via test and protect and will be self-isolating for the required number of days and a letter issued on Sunday night to all families, pupils and staff with updated information.”

In NHS Lanarkshire, the health board is carrying out an investigation after three pupils from St Ambrose High School and one from St Andrew's High School, both in Coatbridge, tested positive.

A fifth case, who is linked to these but is not a pupil, was also identified.

Meanwhile, the 2 Sisters food processing plant in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, has been closed after nine positive cases of the virus.

One other individual is awaiting results as NHS Tayside said arrangements are being made for testing employees.

Earlier on Monday, there were also two connected cases in the community.

Close contacts are being advised to self-isolate and other identified contacts are being followed up and given appropriate advice.

An incident management team is working with the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and local environmental health teams to provide advice and support.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Where clusters of cases develop, we must find them and act quickly to prevent further spread.

“Public health teams in Tayside are responding quickly to this outbreak and we are liaising closely with them, Food Standards Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council to discuss all appropriate measures to contain this cluster.

“However, individuals who have been in this plant should be extra vigilant, ensure they follow all public health advice and if they have any symptoms of Covid-19, should isolate and book a test on the NHS website.”

In Orkney, the health board said nine positive Covid-19 cases are now linked to the fishing vessel cluster in Orkney - up three from Friday.

The new cases are all crew members from the boat and all have been self-isolating.

In Aberdeen, 207 cases have now been confirmed in the city linked to an outbreak discovered in bars and restaurants while 1,050 contacts have been identified.

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