Coronavirus Outbreak: Parents contacted after Portobello High School pupil tests positive for Covid-19

Pupils at an Edinburgh secondary school are self-isolating after a ‘small number’ of coronavirus cases were confirmed.
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Parents of pupils at Portobello High School have been notified that there are a small number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the school community.

The school will remain open and unless parents have been contacted to say otherwise, children who have not had direct contact with a confirmed case will attend as normal.

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In the letter from Lothian NHS Board to parents notifying them of the ‘small number of confirmed cases’, parents were informed those children who have come into contact with the virus must stay home for 14 days.

Portobello High School.Portobello High School.
Portobello High School.

Headteacher Ruth McKay said the school is working closely with the NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance.

Ms McKay said a number of people will be contacted because they may have been in close and sustained contact with an infected pupil and will also need to self-isolate.

In a joint statement with NHS Lothian, Ms McKay wrote: “We are aware of a pupil in the school who has tested positive for COVID-19. We are working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance.

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“Information is currently being gathered and a number of people will be 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.

“An update via text will be sent to you as soon as the tracking and tracing process is complete.

“If you are not contacted directly to tell you your child is a close contact your child should attend school as normal.

"Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place in line with national guidance. The school is safe and remains open.”

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