Castleview Primary School pupil tests positive for Covid-19

A pupil has tested positive for Covid-19 in an Edinburgh primary school.

Parents and carers of children who attend Castleview Primary School have been informed that a positive case of Covid-19 has been found in a primary seven class.

The case was identified in the school’s P7A class and the entire class has been told to remain at home.

In the announcement on the school’s website, head teacher Clare Langley advised that they are working with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance

A number of people have been contacted by the Test & Protect team because they may have been in close and sustained contact with the case and will need to self-isolate.

In a further update yesterday evening she added: “We have been informed of a positive COVID case in our P7A class.

“Parents/Carers with pupils in P7A should expect a call from NHS Public Health Lothian tonight and should not bring their child in P7A to school tomorrow.

"Please see NHS Inform for COVID advice. The Test & Protect team will be calling parents tonight and the number may show as unknown.”

Children from other classes have been told to attend school as normal.

If parents or carers have any concerns in the meantime, or if need to book a Covid-19 test because a child has developed symptoms, they are asked to visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816.

On August 27, Ms Sturgeon said that nearly 17,500 children in Scotland were tested over the preceding week and that only 49 were positive. This was only two more positive tests than the previous week, despite a 300 percent increase in the number of children tested.

The First Minister said this highlighted that parents should not be "unduly concerned" about the return to school for their children.

A spokesperson for NHS Lothian said: “NHS Lothian Health Protection Team has completed COVID-19 contact tracing around Castleview Primary School.

"The team has contacted all of the close contacts and advised them to self-isolate for 14 days and provided all necessary guidance and advice. The situation will be closely monitored.

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

“At this time there is no evidence of transmission within the school itself. 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.

"Everyone should continue to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and take all precautions, such as maintaining social distancing, regular hand washing and wearing a face covering where appropriate.

"If you experience a high fever, persistent cough or loss of taste or smell, you must self-isolate and order a test through the NHS inform website www.nhsinform.scot.

"You should get tested in the first three days of symptoms appearing, although testing is effective until day five. You won’t normally be tested after day five unless it’s for a specific reason. This will be agreed on a case-by-case basis.

"Further information on COVID-19, including symptom checkers and general testing advice, is available on the NHS Inform website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/”

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