NHS Forth Valley’s Test and Protect team is carrying out COVID-19 contact tracing in Ladeside Primary School in the Falkirk Council area after a child who attends the school tested positive for the virus. The individual is self-isolating at home along with the rest of their household.

Initial information suggests the virus was contracted outside of the school and there is no evidence at this stage of any transmission within the school premises. Close contacts of the individual have been identified and are being followed up with advice and support.

Robust control measures were already in place to protect the health of pupils and staff and the school remains open. Apart from those who have been identified as close contacts, all other staff and pupils can continue to attend the school as normal.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “Close contacts of this one child are being called by our Test and Protect service so if you have not been contacted by the NHS then you do not require to self-isolate or book a test.

“I would like to remind people that it is important to continue to follow the national guidance to protect yourself and others. This includes physical distancing indoors and outdoors, washing your hands regularly, wearing face coverings, where required and arranging to get tested immediately if you develop any of the symptoms of COVID-19.” David Mackay, Head of Education at Falkirk Council said: “We want to reassure parents and carers that we follow the strict Scottish Government and NHS guidelines regarding hygiene and are working closely with NHS Forth Valley’s Public Health team.”