60 schools hit by covid as cases continue to rise in Highland
5,021 daily coronavirus cases were reported in Scotland today
Last updated 25th Aug 2021
60 schools across the NHS Highland area have been hit with coronavirus outbreaks, the health board have confirmed.
Highland Council are asking pupils, parents and carers to take "protective measures" when notified about local cases.
It's as NHS Highland, which covers Highland, Argyll and Bute, saw over 1000 cases in a week.
This represents almost 10% of their total case count for the whole pandemic.
5,021 daily cases were also confirmed across Scotland, a record high for the second day in a row.
"So important" to remain vigilant
NHS Highland's Consultant in Public Health Medicine (Health Protection), Dr Jenny Wares said: "There is no single situation driving the numbers up and we are experiencing sustained community transmission. COVID-19 is spreading very rapidly and the impact on families, local schools and businesses remains significant.
"Whilst COVID-19 is circulating at such high levels, we would advise you try to minimise your contact with others as much as possible to limit further spread within our communities.
“It is so important that we remain vigilant for symptoms.
"The typical symptoms are a new continuous cough, a high temperature or fever and a loss of, or change in, normal taste or smell. However, people with COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms including headache, sore muscles and joints, tiredness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms and diarrhoea and vomiting.
"Anyone that becomes unwell should isolate immediately and book a PCR test."
Highland Council Education boss, Nicky Grant, says online learning will be available to those who are self-isolating.
She said: "The Highland Council continues to work in partnership with NHS Highland’s Health Protection to manage a number of COVID-19 outbreaks in school settings.
"It is vital that parents/carers and pupils take protective measures set out for schools and follow the advice from the Health Protection Team on receiving any letters about local cases.
"Online learning or home learning material will be available for those who are isolating but, otherwise, remain well."