Gracemount High School: Further cases of coronavirus confirmed

NHS Lothian said all those who have been in close contact with people at the school who have recently tested positive are advised to self-isolate for 14 days.

An Edinburgh school has confirmed more further cases of coronavirus have been confirmed among its staff and pupils and is asking a group of people to self-isolate for two weeks.

Gracemount High School revealed one pupil tested positive for Covid-19 last week and advised a small number of children to stay at home.

While a number of recent cases detected at the school as not been confirmed, NHS Lothian said it is dealing with a “small number" of people who tested positive.

Gracemount High School in Edinburgh

The school, which has more than 600 students in the south-east of Edinburgh, remains open, but strict measures are already in place in line with government guidelines.

A spokeswoman from the school said: “We are aware of further person(s) in the school who has tested positive for COVID-19. We continue to work closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance.

"A number of people are currently being contacted because they may have been in close and sustained contact with the case and will need to self isolate.

“They will be given appropriate guidance and advice.”

She added an update will be sent to pupils, parents and carers as soon as the track and trace process is complete and advised if you are not contacted, then children should attend school as normal.

An NHS Lothian spokeswoman said: “NHS Lothian’s Health Protection Team has completed COVID-19 contact tracing around an outbreak in Gracemount High School.

“The team has identified a small number of cases and contacted all of the close contacts involved to advise them to self-isolate for 14 days. All necessary guidance and advice is being provided and the situation will be closely monitored.

“The NHS Lothian Health Protection Team, education department and council environmental health team are working together to assess the situation and decide any next steps required.

“To respect and maintain patient confidentiality, no further details will be released.

“Enhanced cleaning measures are already in place in schools in line with national guidance.

“The school remains open and all pupils, who have not been asked to self-isolate, should continue to attend as normal.”