Enhanced COVID measures to be brought in at Papdale Primary

Wider PCR testing and staggered break times are part of a swathe of enhanced measures being brought into force at Papdale Primary School, amid mounting COVID-19 cases.

As of Friday afternoon, 27 confirmed positive had been identified within the school (25 pupils and two staff).

In what has been described as a joint decision by both Orkney Islands Council an NHS Orkney, a series of “enhanced mitigating measures” have been agreed in a bid to keep the school open while ensuring the safety of its population.

These include:

• Offering PCR tests to all remaining children in the most affected P6 class.
• Additional Co2 monitors within the school.
• Encouraging lateral flow testing among all pupils at the school particularly those with siblings in any of the affected classes. The new kits available require a nose swab only. All lateral flow test results, whether positive or negative, should be logged online.
• The availability of PCR test kits within the school itself is also to be investigated as part of a new initiative.
• Staggered break and lunchtimes
• Ongoing enhanced deep cleaning regime.
• Staff to wear surgical face coverings.

Of the 440 pupils at the school, 96 pupils were absent on Friday from the school. According to authorities, many stayed hone due to a variety of COVID-related reasons, such as self-isolation or because they were symptomatic and awaiting a PCR test.

A small number of parents have also chosen not to send their child/children to school.

James Wylie, OIC’s executive director of education, leisure and housing said: “Following advice from our colleagues at NHS Orkney Public Health during an inter-disciplinary meeting today, Friday, the joint decision was made to an agreed set of enhanced mitigating measures at Papdale Primary School.

“The situation is being managed and monitored with the advice and guidance of Public Health for which we are very grateful.

“It is important for schools to remain open while it is deemed safe by all to do so. We will continue to work with our colleagues at 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.

“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 well-being.”

Targeted “warn and inform letters” have been sent to parents of children in the affected classes. Papdale head teacher, Wendy Bowen, has also written to all parents to reassure that all necessary mitigating steps are being taken.

Meanwhile NHS Orkney are continuing to report double figure numbers of cases across the county on a daily basis.

According to the health authority, these cases are a mixture of household contacts, travel and working environment contacts amongst others. As was mentioned last week, they were expecting to see numbers of cases continue to be high in coming days.

NHS Orkney consultant of public health, Sara Lewis said: “Papdale Primary School remains open, but we have agreed an enhanced set of measures not only to reassure parents, pupils, staff and the wider community, but also to ensure we are doing all we can to keep on top of the situation. Schools do remain an area of typically low transmission and a safe place for children.

“We 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.”

If you develop COVID symptoms, however mild, or if you have a positive lateral flow test, you must immediately self-isolate with your household and book a PCR test. This is regardless of your vaccination status. You can book a PCR test by calling the Covid Assessment Centre on 01856 888211 which remains open this weekend.

NHS Orkney is urging the community to continue with twice weekly lateral flow tests for anyone who doesn’t have COVID symptoms and to record these results online.

The public health team are continuing to urge everyone within our community to stick to the guidance of wearing face coverings when inside, keeping the required distance from others, ventilating spaces where possible and to maintain handwashing and sanitising.