Classmates of a Perth pupil who tested positive for the coronavirus have been told to stay home to prevent the infection from spreading.
The first year pupil at St John’s RC Academy was confirmed as having the virus shortly after returning and has been self-isolating for almost two weeks since receiving the news.
Youngsters who have been in close contact with the individual have been asked away from school until it is safe for them to return.
Parents of affected students were contacted immediately and others have been informed of the situation in a letter sent out by the headteacher, Seán Hagney.
It read: “I recognise that this information may be concerning. Please be assured that
St John’s RC Academy remains open.
“The school is working in partnership with NHS Tayside, Public Health Scotland, and Perth and Kinross education and children services.
“The multi-agency group has assessed the infection and prevention control
plans that are in place in the school, and they have confidence in the stringent
measures we have introduced to control the spread of coronavirus.”
The Gowans Terrace campus includes buildings for nursery, primary and secondary pupils who travel from across Perthshire to attend the region’s only Roman Catholic secondary school.
Dr Daniel Chandler, NHS Tayside’s associate director of public health, said: “Parents of the wider school and nursery population have been reassured that if they have not been contacted individually, their child has not been identified as a contact of a case.
“They can continue to attend school and undertake other activities as normal.
“Risk assessments are being carried out, however, parents should be assured that all appropriate precautions and cleaning regimes are in place and the school remains open.”
A council spokesperson added: “The pupil has not been in school since 18 August and is currently self-isolating in line with public health guidelines.
“There is currently no evidence to suggest there is any transmission of Covid-19 within the school but classmates and a number of close contacts have been asked to self-isolate until 2 September.”
