NHS Highland insists staff and pupils at Kinmylies Primary in Inverness remain safe after teacher's positive Covid-19 test
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NHS Highland insists there is “no increased risk” to staff and pupils at an Inverness school where a teacher tested positive for coronavirus.
The health authority confirmed it had advised Highland Council and Kinmylies Primary on steps to take after the member of staff was confirmed as having contracted Covid-19.
The individual, who showed no symptoms but is understood to have been alerted through the track and trace procedure, is isolating at home but said to be well.
The positive test result was received on Tuesday morning and it is understood the teacher returned home promptly, without any further contact with staff and pupils since previous Friday.
NHS Highland’s director of public health Dr Tim Allison confirmed: “We are aware of a positive case in Inverness with ties to Kinmylies Primary School and this information has been shared by the Highland Council with parents.
“Where positive cases are identified we undertake to follow up with the case and issue appropriate advice and guidance to the relevant individuals and to organisations.
“Contact tracing for this case has been completed and the individual is well and in isolation at home as per national guidelines.
“We are aware that positive cases can cause some local anxiety in the community but the health protection team at NHS Highland have fully explored this and do not believe there is an increased risk of Covid19 to those working in or attending the primary school.”
But with “increasing evidence of transmission across Scotland”, the NHS Highland expert issued a reminder on the importance of adhering to safety and hygiene practices.
Dr Allison added: “Covid19 is still here and it is important that everyone takes responsibility and follows the national guidance to keep them and others safe.
“Everyone in Highland, Argyll and Bute has a role to play to keep the number of positive cases as low as possible.”
The first case of a positive test at a Highland school came as pupils at schools in Coatbridge, Blairgowrie, Dundee, Perth and Paisley were reported to have contracted the virus.
Many schools had been operating a phased return since last Wednesday with all pupils expected to be in classrooms by Tuesday.
Related article: Inverness primary school hit by positive coronavirus test for staff member
