Fife school shuts classes over coronavirus case

Pupils in two classes at a Fife school have been sent home after a child tested positive for coronavirus.

Capshard Primary School in Kirkcaldy.

Parents were told not to bring children into Primary 1D and Primary 1A/2C at Capshard Primary School in Kirkcaldy.

NHS Fife has issued a statement saying that the positive case has mild symptoms and is isolating at home with other household members.

The health authority said that there is no evidence of any onward transmission within the school, and that the risk to pupils and staff is low.

However, it said that pupils have been asked to stay off school today, as public health’s test and protect team, continue their contact tracing.

Any pupil identified as a close contact of the confirmed case will be contacted via their parent, guardian or carer, by members of the Test and Protect team.

NHS Fife Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Esther Curnock, said: “NHS Fife’s Health Protection Team have been working closely with our colleagues at Fife Council’s education department to identify any close contacts and we remain satisfied that the risk of contracting coronavirus remains low.

“Our Test and Protect Team are currently in the process of contacting the families of those who have come into close contact with the positive case to provide appropriate public health support and advice.

“We continue to encourage anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, to get tested using the UK Government Citizens’ Portal or by calling 0800 028 2816.”

Fife Council Education Manager, Gordon Wardrope, added: "We are continuing to follow Public Health advice and are working with NHS Fife around any actions which may be required.

“Following advice from NHS Fife’s Public Health Team, and as an initial precaution, we asked all pupils from Primary 1D and Primary 1A/2C to stay at home today.

“We have a comprehensive list of questions and answers for parents and carers at: www.fife.gov.uk/schoolcovidfaqs.”

A local online support hub has been created to provide information on testing for COVID-19, and updates on the pandemic.

Visit: https://coronavirus.nhsfife.org/