Highland school hit by positive Covid-19 test for staff member; unclear whether staff member at Kinmylies Primary School in Inverness was at the school this week before they tested positive for coronavirus
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A MEMBER of staff at a Highland primary school today tested positive for Covid-19.
The employee of Kinmylies Primary School in Inverness, believed to be a teacher, was confirmed to have the potentially deadly virus this morning.
It was unclear whether the staff member at the 15-teacher, 380-pupil school attended the school this week, but it was said the individual had not been in contact with staff or children since Friday.
Parents of pupils at the school were alerted to the health scare this evening in an email message from Highland Council’s head of education and learning Nicky Grant.
It is understood the school will remain open, but any pupils or staff displaying symptoms of Covid-19 were warned to stay at home.
The authority sought to assure parents that correct procedures had been followed since it became known the test result was positive.
NHS Highland has advised the local authority there is no need to carry out routine testing of staff and pupils as the individual had not been in direct contact with them.
A track and trace procedure has been activated to alert those who may have been in contact with the individual.
Ms Grant’s letter read: “I am writing to let you know that a member of school staff received notification of a positive Covid-19 test this morning.
“We have the permission of the member of staff to share this information with you.
“The member of staff is following all public health advice with regards to isolation.
“Contact tracing has been undertaken by NHS Highland’s health protection team and all those identified as close contacts have been contacted. The member of staff has had no contact with pupils since Friday, August 14.”
Ms Grant sought to reassure parents that everything was being done to ensure there was no further spread of the virus.
She said: “The member of staff had no symptoms. All appropriate measures have been in place in the school and the relevant areas have been cleaned.
“We met this afternoon with members of the health protection team at NHS Highland to seek further advice.
“Public Health have advised that there is not a need for routine testing of other staff or pupils as they have not been in close contact with the member of staff.
“The council will continue to follow all appropriate advice with regard to managing situations involving cases of Covid-19 with the advice of the NHS Highland health protection team to prevent any further spread in the community.”
Parents were urged to continue to follow all national guidance and advice found at https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
The letter added: “Pupils should not be sent to school if they display any symptoms.
“The area team will continue to liaise with the head teacher to support and further advise as necessary.”
Parents concerned by the development are asked to contact Fiona Shearer, the area education and learning manager, at fiona.shearer@highland.gov.uk
Schools reopened last week after being closed since mid-March due to the pandemic.
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