St Andrews Primary School COVID update 14 December

St Andrews Primary School has 8 confirmed PCR cases of COVID-19 as of lunchtime today Tuesday, 14 December.

Classes affected include P2, P4, P5, P6 and P7. A further 11 pupils are awaiting PCR test results.

There has also been a small rise in the number of positive Lateral Flow Test results, and we would stress the importance of everyone logging their lateral flow test results online whether negative or positive. This will allow Public Health to begin contact tracing straight away.

The work carried out by Public Health to date has ascertained that the transmission is likely to have occurred outwith the school itself and may be linked with sporting and social events held recently. It would be helpful if parents of primary school children who attended any such events are vigilant for symptoms and undertake regular testing as some cases remain asymptomatic.

There were 71 children at St Andrews School today out of a school roll of 209. Those absent were as a result of positive PCR and Lateral Flow Test results, isolating as a close contact, other sickness and parents choosing to keep their children home as a precaution as the end of term approaches.

At an incident meeting this afternoon with representatives from Public Health, the Council’s Education Directorate, Schools, Environmental Health, Safety and Resilience, Sport and Leisure and Community Learning and Development, the decision was made to maintain closure of the P4 class in the meantime. This will be reviewed on a daily basis and a decision will be made tomorrow, Wednesday, on the rest of the week and parents will be updated as soon as possible.

The precautionary decision was taken to close the P4 class as a fast-moving situation emerged and concerns were raised over a rising number of positive Lateral Flow Tests.

Environmental Health will carry out an assessment of the school on Wednesday to ensure enhanced mitigating measures are in place to reduce the possibility of transmission.

Reassurances have been given that measures are in place at the school to reduce the inter-mixing of classes. We would stress the importance of parents carrying out regular Lateral Flow Tests at home  - even if you don't have symptoms  - and register the results in order that we can build the fullest picture of the situation. Tests can be collected at Boots the Chemist, Sutherlands in Stromness and Kirkwall and can be ordered online.

If you have a positive LFT, you and your household should isolate immediately, and arrange for a PCR test. Similarly, if you begin to develop any COVID symptoms (a new or continuous cough, loss of taste/smell or high temperature) isolate immediately, with your household, and book a PCR test.

This can now be done in two ways –

• go directly to the Covid Assessment Centre (drive to the car park up at the old Macmillan Unit at the Old Balfour Hospital). People will be given a self-testing PCR kit which you will undertake in your car and hand back for processing. Full instructions will be given, and Public Health assure that the self-tests are as accurate as their staff carrying out the tests. The drive through self-testing service is available from Monday-Friday 9am-2pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am-1pm.

• For patients who cannot drive to the centre, have additional needs or have concerns about their dexterity and require a staff member to perform your test, you will need to call to book a time slot, you can do this by calling our new number 0300 303 9545.
• For those on ferry linked / outer isles the process remains the same, you will continue to request PCR tests via your local GP.
• For those patients coming in for an elective procedure the process has not changed and this will be co-ordinated as part of your procedure.

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

The Council’s Executive Director of Education, Housing and Leisure, James Wylie, said: “As the end of term approaches, we completely understand the parental anxiety that some may be feeling and the decision to keep children at home.

“Class teachers are providing work online using Seesaw and, in addition, the P4 class have had a pack of activities and work sent to them.

“As the spread of the virus takes hold once more and tighter restrictions are being advised by the Scottish and UK Governments, we must all play our part in trying to ensure that the spread does not rise further in Orkney. Our colleagues in Public Health and NHS Orkney, alongside many of our own frontline staff are being stretched as a result and we must assist them by following all the mitigating measures in place to reduce community transmission – a reduction in social contacts, the wearing of masks, socially distancing, good ventilation if indoors, carrying out lateral flow testing as regularly as you can every week and isolating as soon as possible and getting a PCR test if you have symptoms.

“As ever, we thank you all for your understanding as we strive to work our way through the challenges. We will communicate any changing arrangements with you as quickly as we can.” 

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