Schools COVID-19 update 20 December

St Andrews Primary School has a total of 27 confirmed PCR cases of COVID-19 as of today, Monday 20 December.

No new positive lateral flow tests have been reported and no outstanding PCR test results have been reported.

Class teachers continue to provide work online using the Seesaw tool and, in addition, pupils from the closed P4 class have been sent a pack of activities. So far, no parents of children in the P4 class have taken up the offer of childcare that was made by the school for the remainder of term.

The P6/7 class at the ‘Hope School, where a small number of positive test results have been returned, will remain closed until the new term starts in January 2022.

Both Mark Taylor and Steve Arnold, Head Teachers at St Andrews and the ‘Hope respectively, have commended parents for their welcome positive feedback on the approach taken by the schools, Education Directorate and Public Health.

Five other schools are reporting positive PCR cases of COVID, however the numbers are so small it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Members continue to appeal for folk to be vigilant for symptoms and to continue with lateral flow tests and to log the results online whether negative or positive. This allows Public Health to begin contact tracing straight away.

All new testing procedures are outlined on the NHS Orkney website.

Ceri Dare, Environmental Technical Officer (Public Health), OIC Environmental Health, is available for free advice and support around COVID-secure requirements and best practice. She can be contacted on 01856 873535 ext 2817.