COVID update Papdale Primary School – Thursday 4 November

The number of positive PCR COVID-19 cases amongst children and staff attending Papdale Primary School has risen to 21 (19 children and 2 staff) as of early afternoon on Thursday 4 November.

A further 10 PCR tests have also been requested at this time and contact tracing is ongoing.

Of the 440 pupils at the school, 87 pupils were absent on Thursday from the school – a drop from 93 on Wednesday - of which many were due to a variety of COVID-related reasons, such as self-isolating or because they are symptomatic and awaiting a PCR test. A small number of parents have also chosen not to send their child/children to school.

In following Scottish Government and Public Health guidance, targeted “warn and inform letters” have been sent to parents of children in the affected classes within P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 and P7 advising them of the situation at Papdale Primary School. In addition, The Head Teacher, Wendy Bowen, has written to all parents to reassure that all necessary mitigating steps are being taken.

In addition to staff and secondary pupils continuing to carry out the twice-weekly lateral flow testing, parents of pupils at Papdale Primary are now also being encouraged to carry out lateral flow tests on their children. The new kits available require a nose swab only. All lateral flow test results, whether positive or negative, should be logged online. The availability of PCR test kits within the school itself is also to be investigated as part of a new initiative.

NHS Orkney are today reporting a further 18 positive cases of COVID in Orkney.

These cases are a mixture of household contacts, travel and working environment contacts amongst others. As was mentioned last week, they were expecting to see numbers of cases continue to be high in coming days.

NHS Orkney Consultant of Public Health Sara Lewis said: “We are continuing to see cases rise (and fall) and this is another day of high case numbers for Orkney, but we want to reassure the community that we are managing these cases. Although, we do ask that you continue to follow the guidance in place, ensuring good ventilation if indoors, washing hands, wearing face coverings and keeping a safe distance from those out with your household, if possible. Vaccinations are underway for both COVID and Flu and these are progressing, but it is a complex and challenging undertaking. Appointment letters are being sent out for the COVID booster vaccinations and we appreciate your patience during this time.”

As a reminder, if you do develop COVID symptoms, however mild, or if you have a positive lateral flow test, then immediately self-isolate with your household and book a PCR test. This is regardless of your vaccination status. You can book a PCR test by calling the Covid Assessment Centre on 01856 888211.

NHS Orkney are urging the community to continue with twice weekly lateral flow tests for anyone who doesn’t have COVID symptoms and to record these results online.
The Council’s Executive Director of Education, Leisure and Housing, James Wylie, said: “The school remains open, and the situation is being managed and monitored with the advice and guidance of NHS Orkney Public Health.

“Our aim is to keep the school open as long as possible to provide learning for those pupils who are well. We are working on a daily basis with Public Health evaluating the numbers and should it reach a point whereby it is felt necessary for a partial or full closure, then that decision will be made collectively.

“However, if staffing falls to a point whereby it is no longer possible to safely manage the pupil numbers in school – as happened in Stronsay Junior High School recently – then we, as the Council, can take the decision to close or offer a rolling programme of reduced hours across the school.

“I, again, thank everyone for continuing to answer our plea for children who are well and not displaying any COVID symptoms to still attend at school as this is vital for their education and social well-being.”

Mr Wylie urged everyone within our community to stick to the guidance of wearing face coverings when inside, keeping the required distance from others and to maintain handwashing and sanitising.