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Covid cases surge means two week ban on community use of Black Isle school


By Neil MacPhail

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A greatly enlarged image of Covid virus.
A greatly enlarged image of Covid virus.

COMMUNITY use of a Black Isle school is being stopped temporarily due to a significant surge in Covid cases.

As a precautionary measure Highland Council is pausing all hiring out of Avoch Primary for non-essential activities for two weeks from next Monday, November 8, 2021 due to the number of Covid cases in the school community.

Officers will contact local community groups who hire the school to inform them of the situation which is to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the local community.

A council spokesperson said: "Avoch Primary School has a significant outbreak of confirmed cases of Covid. Letters have been sent to affected families, and all necessary action has been taken with the NHS health protection team's advice."

Dr Tim Allison, director of public health with NHS Highland, said: "Positive cases can cause some local anxiety in the community. Please be reassured that our health protection team is working closely with colleagues in Highland Council and the primary school to continually monitor the situation.

“We must follow the national guidance which includes NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect strategy.

“Test and Protect is a vital part of how we will prevent the spread of Covid in the community. If you have symptoms even if they are mild, we ask you to self-isolate, get tested and share details of those you’ve come into close contact with.

"If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive and are asked to self-isolate by the NHS, it’s important to follow that advice.

“Continue to wear face coverings, avoid crowded places, clean your hands regularly, physical distance from others, book a PCR test if you have even mild symptoms. Taking these steps will help in keeping the virus under control.”

No one should attend school if they are experiencing symptoms which are typically a new continuous cough, high temperature or fever, and loss or change in taste or smell.

People with Covid can present with a wide range of symptoms including headache, sore muscles and joints, tiredness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms and diarrhoea and vomiting. Anyone who becomes unwell should isolate immediately and seek a PCR test.

The Scottish Government is providing a grant of £500 to people who are in receipt of low-income benefits and who will lose income if required to self-isolate.

For more information on the grant, contact the Scottish Welfare Fund Team on 0800 083 1887, the Welfare Support Team on 0800 090 1004 or Highland Council's website.


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