A child has tested positive for coronavirus at a school in West Lothian.
Parents and guardians at Balbardie Primary School in Bathgate were told on Monday, August 24, that a pupil there had "recently" tested positive for COVID-19.
But the school is to remain open with West Lothian council chiefs saying they will 'continue to monitor' the situation.
NHS Lothian's Health Protection Team are understood to have traced 'a small number of close contact with the pupil' who have been advised to self-isolate, according to Edinburgh Live.
The website reports that the school's head teacher, Margaret Johns, said they are working closely with the local health board and following guidance.
James Cameron, West Lothian Council’s head of education added: “We are working with NHS Lothian’s Health Protection team and parents and the wider school community have been provided with information and reassurance.
"We know that this occurrence may cause concern to some parents and children but we will continue to monitor the situation and follow the advice provided.”
Dr Duncan McCormick, consultant in public health medicine, NHS Lothian and chair of the Incident Management Team (IMT), said: “NHS Lothian is investigating after a child at Balbardie Primary School in Bathgate tested positive for COVID-19. The pupil is self-isolating at home with their family.
“A multi-disciplinary Incident Management Team (IMT) has been established to assess the situation and decide any next steps required.
“Enhanced cleaning measures are in place in schools in line with national guidance. The Health Protection Team has traced close contacts of the case.
“Following a robust risk assessment by the expert group, the school will remain open and pupils should continue to attend as normal. Appropriate advice has been provided and anyone who came into close contact with the case has been told to self-isolate for 14 days. The situation will continue to be closely monitored.
“For anyone else, the risk to their health is extremely low, but they should continue to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms.
“If you experience a high fever, persistent cough or loss of taste or smell, you must self isolate and book a test via the national COVID-19 helpline on 0800 028 2816 or go to www.nhsinform.scot”.
