Primary one pupil at Highland school struck by Covid-19
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It has been confirmed that a Highland primary school pupil has contracted Covid.
Parents at Smithton Primary School have been told it was isolating a primary one class as a precaution and two teachers had been asked to self-isolate, but would still be leading the class from home.
A letter sent to parents from NHS Highland said the pupil was last in school on Thursday March 4.
Dr Ken Oates, NHS Highlands consultant in public health medicine, said: "We have identified a case of Covid–19 in a P1 pupil at the school.
"We know that you may find this concerning but we are working in close partnership with the head teacher to manage this situation. All necessary action has been taken at the school.
"The affected individual was last in school on Thursday March 4. Pupils who have been identified as close contacts have been notified and will be self-isolating at home for 10 days and they have been advised to seek a test."
In a message online to parents, head teacher Aileen Mackay said: "If you haven't had a call from me or an email the child is not in your class. Nursery to P3 are expected in as normal as well as the P4-7 targeted children and those of keyworkers.
"Miss Mackay's P1 class is in isolation as a precaution, and both Miss Mackay and Mrs McCormack, although testing negative, are also in isolation and will be leading the children from home using the Google classroom as a vehicle for teaching and learning.
"Our cleaners do a fantastic job and staff are ever vigilant around hand washing, ventilation of classrooms and emphasis on outdoor learning at the moment. This virus is with us in our community but so is the vaccine.
"We have trust in the NHS and certainly anyone I deal with around 'test and protect' is helpful and allows me to ensure the school and nursery risk assessments are meaningful and safe for all staff and young people.
"Try, as hard as it is, to remain calm particularly around your children. A few reminders: as adults in the playground you are expected to wear a mask at all times, please stay two metres away from other adults and keep your children off school if anyone in your family has to take a test until you know it is negative.
"If in doubt, please call us. We are not experts in this virus but with more experience of interpreting the rules since August we can help. We also have direct access to NHS help so can ask on your behalf.
"If you hear rumours or are worried in any way, please contact me by email in the first instance aileen.mackay@highland,gov,uk
" I'm sure you are joining me in wishing the child in question a speedy recovery with no symptoms and for everyone else in the class with their families, no further instances."
She added: "We are Smithton - this virus will not break down our community care for each other!"
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