NHS Forth Valley’s Test and Protect team is currently carrying out COVID-19 contact tracing in St Mungo’s High School, St Margaret’s Primary School Polmont and Stenhousemuir Primary School.

Initial information suggests the virus was contracted outside of the schools and there is no evidence at this stage of any transmission within these premises.

The individuals who have tested positive for the virus are self-isolating at home along with the rest of their household. To respect and maintain patient confidentiality, no further details will be given. Close contacts of the individuals have been identified and advised to self-isolate in line with national guidance. Robust control measures were already in place to protect the health of pupils and staff and all three schools remain open.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are seeing more cases of Covid-19 in local communities across Forth Valley and it’s therefore really important that everyone follows the national guidance to protect themselves and others.

Please follow the FACTs guidance, wear a face covering when advised, avoid crowded places, wash your hands and any hard surfaces regularly, stay two metres apart and self-isolate and book a test if you develop any of the symptoms of Covid-19.”

Please also reduce your day to day close contact with others to reduce the spread of the virus and follow the new rule of six which includes not meeting adults from more than one other household.”

David Mackay, Head of Education at Falkirk Council said: “We are working closely with NHS Forth Valley’s Public Health team to ensure all necessary actions are taken, including enhanced cleaning.”