Ross-shire schools share coronavirus advice with parents in response to 'local anxiety'

SCHOOLS in Ross-shire are sharing coronavirus advice in response to "local anxiety" about positive cases of Covid-19.

It comes after confirmation of positive tests at two schools in Inverness, one involing a teacher and one a pupil.

Highland Council's area education and learning manager Derek Martin said: "We are aware that positive cases of Covid-19 can cause some local anxiety in the community.

"Please be reassured that our health protection team is working closely with colleagues within the Highland Council to continually monitor the situation in Highland. Guidance has been provided to teachers in all our schools regarding any incidence of Covid-19 or similar symptoms within the school community.

"Pupils and staff should not attend school if any symptoms develop. Please inform the school.The key message is don’t go to school or work if you are ill"

He said that for most people, Covid-19 will be a mild illness. People who develop symptoms are asked to remain self-isolating at home for 10 days from the date symptoms appeared, even if that takes them over the 14-day period currently advised.

Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing. Further information on testing can be found on NHS Inform. If anyone develops symptoms, all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.

Mr Martin adds: "There is evidence of increasing transmission across Scotland. Covid-19 is still here and it is important that everyone takes responsibility and follows the national guidance to keep them and others safe. Everyone in Highland, Argyll and Bute has a role to play to keep the number of positive cases as low as possible."

What to look out for

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or

• high temperature and/or

• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with Covid-19

Do

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

• wash your hands as soon as you get home

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Please also follow the five rules that are highlighted in the national FACTS campaign -

• Face coverings in enclosed spaces

• Avoid crowded places indoors or outdoors

• Clean your hands regularly and remember to clean hard surfaces that you might be touching

• Two metre physical distancing remains in place – this is especially important at the school gates when dropping off or collecting your children.

• Self-isolate and book a test if you have any of the symptoms of Covid19 - a cough, a temperature, or a loss of, or change in your sense of taste or smell

Related:

New case recorded in Highlands

Positive Covid-19 test at Highland school

Second Highland school rocked by infection

Dingwall parents urged to halt Covid-19 spread at the school gates

Gyms and swim pools get earlier date for reopening

---

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.

---