A Dumfries school was this week at the centre of a Covid-19 scare.
Parents of pupils at Georgetown Primary and Nursery were notified on Wednesday that the facility had a confirmed case of the virus.
Head teacher Chris Latimer sent out a letter to families alerting them to the situation.
But it emerged yesterday that it was a false alarm.
NHS public health director Valerie White issued a letter updating parents and carers.
She said: “I am pleased to advise that following further investigation and confirmatory re-testing by the NHS we have now ruled out there having been a positive case of Covid-19 within Georgetown Primary and Nursery.
“As outlined yesterday all close contacts had been contacted and given appropriate advice. They will all be contacted today to advise that they have no longer been in contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 and therefore can return to school/nursery.”
She added: “I recognise the anxiety and stress this has caused. However, the safety of staff and pupils is our first priority, and I am sure you will understand we do take situations where a Covid-19 case could be in a school very seriously.
“I would like to note and sincerely thank the Georgetown Primary and Nursery school staff and colleagues in the council for their huge support and rapid response in dealing with this situation.”
Wednesday’s letter from Mr Latimer had advised parents that contact tracing processes had been activated as a result of the then confirmed case.
But he stressed that the school remained open with “continued safety measures and cleaning” in place.
Parents were urged to send children to school “if they remain well”.
A Dumfries and Galloway Council spokesperson said yesterday: “We take situations where a Covid-19 case could be in a school very seriously and have responded swiftly to provide school staff and parents with information, as appropriate.”
