Positive case of coronavirus confirmed at Kingussie school
Kingussie High School has confirmed that a pupil has tested positive for Covid-19.
The school is cancelling its Christmas dances due to take place this coming week and the following week as a safety precaution.
It is the second known case of coronavirus at the school after a teacher tested positive in mid September.
Correspondence has been sent home from the school to re-assure parents over the safety of pupils.
They have been told that their children should continue to attend classes as usual unless they start to feel unwell with symptoms of the virus.
Headteacher Ian Adamson told parents in correspondence: "I can confirm that a pupil in Kingussie High School has tested positive for Covid-19.
"I have worked closely with Track & Trace and the pupil to identify people who are close contacts and I have personally called and spoken to parents to inform them of the situation and the next steps.
"Due to the current situation we have made the decision to cancel the planned dances that were due to happen this coming week and Tuesday next week.
"Although we had risk assessed the activity we feel that it is best to halt all dancing in the school this year.
"PE classes will now do an alternative activity so it’s important that all pupils take appropriate clothing for being inside or outside."
He said any parents with concerns were free to contact the school.
NHS Highland’s Health Protection Team confirmed the health authority had been notified of the confirmed case of Covid-19.
A spokesperson stated in correspondence to parents: "We know that you may find this concerning but we are working in close partnership with Mr Adamson to manage the situation...
"Contact tracing is now under way.
"Pupils who have been identified as close contacts have been identified and will be self-isolating at home for 10 days.
"All other pupils that have not been notified as a close contact can continue to attend school as normal if they remain well."
The spokesperson also stated: "As you will probably be aware, there has been a recent announcement from Scottish Government advising that the self-isolation period for close contacts has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days.
"If a positive case is confirmed in a house, then all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days.
"The 10-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
"Household members should not go to work, school, public areas or use public transport."
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