Authorities aim to keep Papdale open ‘as long as possible’ as cases rise to 21

Papdale Primary School will only close if both Orkney Islands Council and NHS Orkney can agree that it is the best course of action — or if too many staff fall ill.

A total of 21 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases have been identified among staff and pupils at the school in recent days, up by seven from Wednesday. It is understood that at least one class within every year group except P1 is affected by the spread.

The two authorities confirmed, this Thursday evening, that any decision to shut the school would be a collective one — but it has not yet reached that point. The only caveat to this is in the eventuality that staff numbers are so depleted, the council has no option but to close Papdale, or reduce teaching hours.

As of early this afternoon, only two members of staff have been confirmed to have the virus.

In a statement this evening, OIC’s executive director of education, leisure and housing, James Wylie, said: “The school remains open, and the situation is being managed and monitored with the advice and guidance of NHS Orkney Public Health.

“Our aim is to keep the school open as long as possible to provide learning for those pupils who are well. We are working on a daily basis with Public Health evaluating the numbers and should it reach a point whereby it is felt necessary for a partial or full closure, then that decision will be made collectively.

“However, if staffing falls to a point whereby it is no longer possible to safely manage the pupil numbers in school — as happened in Stronsay Junior High School recently – then we, as the council, can take the decision to close or offer a rolling programme of reduced hours across the school.

“I, again, thank everyone for continuing to answer our plea for children who are well and not displaying any COVID symptoms to still attend at school as this is vital for their education and social wellbeing.”

The authorities have confirmed that a further ten PCR tests have also been requested in connection with Papdale Primary at this time, and contact tracing is ongoing. Parents with children attending the school have been urged to undertake twice-weekly lateral flow testing on both themselves and their little ones.

Of the 440 pupils at the school, 87 pupils were absent on Thursday from the school — a drop from 93 on Wednesday. According to OIC, the reason many of these pupils remained at home was due to the COVID-19 situation —  whether for the purpose self-isolating, or because they are symptomatic and awaiting a PCR test. A small number of parents have also chosen not to send their child/children to school.

Warn and inform letters have now been sent to the parents and carers of children in all affected classes within P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 and P7, in line with Scottish Government and Public Health guidance.

In addition, Papdale’s head teacher, Wendy Bowen, has written to all parents to reassure that all necessary mitigating steps are being taken.

Across Orkney, a total of 18 new positive cases have been reported in today’s daily figures.

According to NHS Orkney, these cases are a mixture of household contacts, travel and working environment contacts amongst others. The health authority has has said that this continued rise in cases is not unexpected.

NHS Orkney consultant of public health, Sara Lewis said: “We are continuing to see cases rise (and fall) and this is another day of high case numbers for Orkney, but we want to reassure the community that we are managing these cases.

“Although, we do ask that you continue to follow the guidance in place, ensuring good ventilation if indoors, washing hands, wearing face coverings and keeping a safe distance from those out with your household, if possible. Vaccinations are underway for both COVID and Flu and these are progressing, but it is a complex and challenging undertaking.

“Appointment letters are being sent out for the COVID booster vaccinations and we appreciate your patience during this time.”

If you receive a positive lateral flow test result, or you have developed symptoms of COVID-19, you must immediately self-isolate with your household and book a PCR test. Both NHS Orkney and OIC have stressed the importance of logging your lateral flow test results online — whether positive or negative.

To book a PCR test, you can phone the COVID Assessment Centre on 01856 888211.