Positive Covid test at Smithton Primary School sends two staff and 25 pupils into self-isolation during summer holidays
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Two staff members and 25 pupils from an Inverness primary school are self-isolating during their summer holidays after a classmate tested positive for Covid-19.
Parents and carers of those identified as close contacts of the Smithton Primary pupil were informed on Monday this week by NHS Highland’s health protection team.
The last contact date between the pupil and those affected came on Thursday last week, just before the schools broke up.
Those affected will have to remain in isolation at home until Sunday, July 4.
Highland Council said it was inappropriate to comment on the individual circumstances of pupils after one parent contacted the Courier to complain about the length of time taken to alert parents.
A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of a positive case of a pupil at Smithton Primary school.
“A group of individuals are following advice from NHS Highland’s health protection team and are self-isolating for 10 days.
“Letters were sent to parents yesterday on Monday June 28. All necessary action has been taken at the school and the setting is now closed for the summer period.
“The Highland Council continues to work in partnership with NHS Highland’s health protection team”.
An aggrieved parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “I just received word on Monday that a primary one class in Smithton Primary School had a pupil who tested positive for Covid, with the last date of exposure to the pupil on Thursday.
“The school only found out about it today. Why on earth did it take so long?”
The NHS Highland letter to parents, signed by consultant in public health medicine Dr Jenny Wares, gave advice on what precautions to take.
Pupils and staff affected were told to self-isolate until Sunday, July 4 and to take a PCR test, arranged through NHS Inform.
Even if testing negative, they were to remain at home for the 10-day period.
As is standard, no other household members would have to isolate unless the close contact developed symptoms, at which time the whole household would have to self-isolate.
