Covid cases confirmed at Milne's High School
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THREE cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed at Milne's High School in Fochabers.
As a result, the school will be closed tomorrow and a number of staff and students have been advised to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines.
A Moray Council spokesperson said: “As always, we wish anyone who tests positive with Covid-19 a speedy recovery and hope their family stay well.
“We’re in contact with NHS Grampian’s public health team, who are advising us on next steps for Milne’s High School and the families involved.
"In the meantime a number of pupils and teachers have been advised to self-isolate. These pupils have also been provided with information on how to access their learning from home.
“Initial advice has been passed to parents and carers giving details of what to do if their child displays symptoms of Covid-19. We will continue to contact parents and carers directly with any further updates.
“All Moray schools receive an enhanced clean daily as standard now in line with public health advice, including daytime sanitation, and this allows the rest of the school to continue as normal. School buses, which are considered an extension of the school estate, are also cleaned after each run so we’re satisfied that Covid-19 safety measures continue to be met."
Two initial positive tests were confirmed earlier today, with the third one leading to the decision to close the school.
The council spokeswoman added: "After a further positive case was identified the decision was taken to close the school on Friday to allow NHS track and trace to contact all affected individuals.
"This will also facilitate planning and preparation for the return to school on Monday and support for self-isolating pupils, who are continuing their learning remotely.”
Local councillor Marc Macrae praised the quick actions of school and council staff to the incident.
“Whilst saddened to learn that Covid-19 had now been identified within the school population at Milne’s High I welcome the efforts of the staff alongside NHS Scotland in identifying those who required to isolate as a precautionary measure.
“Communications were very quickly issued by the head teacher Trish Cameron to all parents providing both reassurance as well as the action plan in place to ensure that those pupils staying at home will have proper access to the lessons and materials required to keep up to date with their studies.
“We have been very lucky throughout this pandemic in Moray to have very low numbers thankfully and I hope that this will continue with people heeding the advice given to wear a mask when necessary, wash hands frequently and maintain a safe distance where practical.
“My thoughts are with those affected and wish them a speedy recovery and my best wishes to all across the area to stay safe and keep well.”
Fellow Fochabers-Lhanbryde councillor Shona Morrison said: “I am reassured that all measures have been taken to ensure the health and safety of our young people and staff.
"I was also heartened to see comment from Public Health Scotland on the robustness of the safety measures they have observed in the school which has allowed the school to remain open and commend staff for ensuring this is the case. There is no doubt that self-isolating is incredibly challenging, not least for our young people so it is essential that families are encouraged to contact the school for any advice and to raise concerns they may have.”
Moray MP Douglas Ross said the Milne's cases showed there was "no room for complacency" in the fight against the virus.
"It’s obviously concerning to hear that Milne’s High School has been forced to close due to confirmed cases of Covid-19," he continued.
“I know that pupils and their families will have been given clear information to keep them up-to-date with what is happening.
“The management at the school and at Moray Council have been dealing with this in a professional way and I wish those affected a speedy recovery.
“This shows that there is no room for complacency with this virus, even though the prevalence in Moray more widely has been low.”
A student at Forres Academy has also tested positive for Covid over the course of the past week.
