Health officials say there is no evidence to suggest the virus is spreading to Caldervale High School
A fifth Lanarkshire school child has tested positive for Covid-19 amid concerns that the virus could be transmitted at indoor social gatherings.
The student at Caldervale High School in Airdrie went to school on Thursday.
However, officials say there is no evidence to indicate that the virus is spreading in the school and that it will reopen on Monday.
The latest positive case has been linked to seven others in Lanarkshire, including pupils from two other schools.
An investigation is underway into the outbreak, which also includes:
- Three students from St Ambrose High School in Coatbridge
- One student from St Andrew’s High School in Coatbridge
- Three linked cases that are not students or staff at the schools
Dr David Cromie, NHS Lanarkshire Public Health Consultant, said: “There is evidence that social mixing in the community, especially at social gatherings in homes, without maintaining physical distancing measures can transmit the virus and is a factor in this study. “
He said contacts come in contact with people who have been in close contact with the latest positive case.
“NHS Lanarkshire is working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and the school to identify any close contacts of the matter who are receiving public health advice and are being told to self-isolate,” he added.
“With the transmission route likely to be through indoor social gatherings, I would urge all parents and young people to adhere to Scottish government rules to prevent future cases in the community that result in cases at the local level. schools. ”
No more than eight people from a maximum of three households may gather inside.
Social distance applies to everyone from separate households, unless they are under 12 years of age.
NHS Lanarkshire said the Caldervale High School student was isolated at home with her family.
It said all parents of students at the school were aware of the development.
Dr Cromie added: “We are aware that there will still be concerns for pupils and their parents / caregivers at this time and I wanted to reassure them that all institutions that attended the individual during their infected period will be identified and assessed. . “
He urged people to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly and reminded them to stay away from school or work if they experience Covid symptoms, even if they are mild.
Derek Brown, of the North Lanarkshire Council, said the local authority managed the raid team led by NHS Lanarkshire.
“We will continue to respond to NHS Lanarkshire advice and provide information and reassurance to parents and carers, students and staff,” he added.
“We fully understand that parents and students will be apprehensive. No guilt is attached to anyone interviewed by Test and Protect, but it is important that as much information as possible is provided.
“In addition, student support within schools is available to any student who is anxious or worried.”
Fishing vessel cluster
The development occurred when the number of coronavirus cases in Scotland increased by 43 in the last 24 hours.
It included one new case in Orkney, which was linked to an outbreak among the crew of a fishing vessel.
There have been no deaths of people who have tested positive for the virus since July 15.
Meanwhile, the Victoria Bar in Edinburgh has been temporarily closed after a customer confirmed last night that they were testing positive for Covid-19 after a recent holiday in Malta.
Owners Boda Bars said the pub, on Leith Walk, will be closed until Friday and all staff who were on duty when the customer visited will self-isolate for the next 14 days.
It confirmed that the customer visited the bar between 16:45 and 18:00 on Friday.
