Penicuik primary school to stay open after pupil tests positive for Covid-19

Other students have been told to attend school as normal.

A pupil at Strathesk Primary School in Penicuik has tested positive for Covid-19.

Parents of other students were informed by a letter from NHS Lothian yesterday, and some who came into close contact with the pupil have been asked to self-isolate.

But the school remains open and the rest of the students have been told to attend as normal.

A pupil at Strathesk Primary School has tested positive for Covid-19.

NHS Lothian said there is currently “no evidence” of Covid-19 transmission within the school.

A spokesperson said: “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.”

Some parents of other children at the school have called for it to be closed.

One told the Evening News: “This is unbelievable [...] I have no doubt that the virus will spread throughout the school unless it is closed and deep cleaned.”

NHS Lothian said it is monitoring the situation and may take further steps if necessary.

The spokesperson said: NHS Lothian’s Health Protection Team has completed COVID-19 contact tracing around Strathesk 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.”

They added that the school is under enhanced cleaning measures, along with all other schools, in line with national guidance.

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