A school boss has written to parents amidst a cluster of Covid cases in an Ayr community.
Belmont Academy head teacher Tracy Stewart has urged pupils and parents to stick to rules on social distancing after almost 100 pupils were self-isolating at the school last week.
It comes as outbreaks were confirmed at the Belmont school, Queen Margaret Academy and pupils linked to Kincaidston Primary.
The Ayrshire Post understands that a number of gatherings involving school pupils took place over the Easter break.
Ms Stewart wrote to parents to address concerns.
A letter seen by the Ayrshire Post reads: “It is very important that everyone in our community, young people, parents and staff follow the rules for their local area.
“Although being outside reduces the risk, if you are still within two metres for a reasonable length of time in the presence of someone who is infected (with or without symptoms), you could still catch the virus and so please, please follow the rules.”
One parent has expressed concern that the timing of the self-isolation period for pupils will impact on a crucial time for youngsters.
The parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “It is really concerning that there are some who are following the rules but not others.
“From my point of view, trying to deal with my own kids' mental health and keep them within the guidelines and the rules...
“There are big exams coming up and this will just disrupt their education even more.
“In some ways it is better if they are just staying at home.”
Health chiefs launched a track and trace operation at each of the schools as they dealt with a cluster of Covid.
In the neighbourhood of Castlehill and Kincaidston, cases soared to 12 between April 16 and April 22.
Commenting on the outbreak in Kincaidston, NHS Ayrshire & Arran confirmed that a small number of children who normally attend Kincaidston Primary had tested positive.
Testing at Belmont Academy has been stepped up over the last week, with more pupils taking Lateral Flow tests and PCR tests.
Ms Stewart added: " Since this we have had an increase in the number of young people choosing to take a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test.
"We now have almost 50 per cent of all school-age young people taking this offer along with over 60 per cent of young people taking the offer of the PCR tests."
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
