OIC appeals to Orkney community in wake of Stronsay School closure

Orkney Islands Council has issued an urgent appeal to the community after making a “last resort” decision to shut Stronsay Junior High School, amid rising COVID-19 cases across the county.

The council has urged folk to remain vigilant as we head into the weekend, in the wake of over 70 new cases being attributed to Orkney in the last 48 hours.

While the 55 cases recorded in Thursday’s figures are understood to be partially the result of a backlog in results, a further 22 have been confirmed by NHS Orkney today.

The health authority has warned the community that “we are still in the middle of a pandemic” urging folk to “think carefully” while planning any activities around Hallowe’en weekend.

This message has now been reinforced by the council, which says that the ongoing rate of transmission, and the requirement for close contacts to isolate, is having a knock-on effect on some businesses and services, including OIC.

The council has confirmed that Stronsay Junior High School had to close on Friday afternoon as a result of a positive case and the need for close contacts to isolate.

James Wylie, OIC’s executive director of education, leisure and housing said: “I want to reassure staff, parents/carers and all students that the closure of an educational facility is as a last resort. However, it is imperative that we follow the guidance given to us by NHS Orkney Public Health to ensure the safety of everyone.

“Schools and nurseries do have contingency plans in place, and these have worked very well, however, if there are large numbers of staff required to isolate then, unfortunately, as in this instance, a whole school closure may become the only option.

“We will endeavour, as we have throughout the pandemic, to ensure that disruptions are kept to an absolute minimum. We recognise that our children and young people have already missed out on so much, but we must adhere to the advice and guidelines from Public Health.

“We must also be mindful that the virus has not gone away, in fact the figures in Orkney are the highest they have been, and we all have a responsibility to follow the guidance to curb the spread and keep everyone, particularly the most vulnerable members of our communities, safe.

“We would urge all staff and eligible secondary students to continue to take twice weekly lateral flow tests and report the results online whether negative or positive.”

NHS Orkney has said it is continuing to manage the cases, and that has so far not found any major clusters. The health authority believes that widespread community transmission is behind the rising numbers.

The authorities are further appealing for everyone to continue to use lateral flow tests if you are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID and, again, to log these results online.

If you have a positive lateral flow test, you and your household should isolate immediately, and you should book a PCR test. If you begin to develop any COVID symptoms (a new or continuous cough, loss of taste/smell or high temperature) isolate immediately, with your household, and book a PCR test.

The Covid Assessment Centre will remain open this weekend (Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October) from 9am until 12.30pm for anyone who requires a PCR test. To book a PCR test please call 01856 888211.

Neither NHS Orkney or Orkney Islands Council is asking folk to lock themselves away. Rather, they are urging everyone to be cautious of their actions and follow all official guidance available. This includes regular hand washing, face coverings, staying a safe distance from those outwith your household and of course, good ventilation if indoors.