Avoch Primary School on Black Isle to remain closed today and tomorrow as coronavirus outbreak monitored by Highland Council and health protection team
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A ROSS-SHIRE school at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak alert will remain closed today and tomorrow, it has been confirmed.
Avoch Primary School confirmed it would be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9 and 10.
It posted:"The situation will be monitored and reviewed by education and the health protection team over the next two days.
"Online learning will continue to be provided."
Last week, community use of the Black Isle primary school was put on hold as a precaution.
As a precautionary measure, Highland Council said it would be pausing all hiring out of Avoch Primary for non-essential activities for two weeks from Monday, November 8 due to the number of Covid cases in the school community.
Last week, a council spokesperson confirmed Avoch Primary School had witnessed "a significant outbreak" of confirmed cases of Covid. Letters were 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 then: "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.
