Papdale in-school attendance halved as COVID cases continue rise

More than half of Papdale Primary School pupils stayed at home today, amid a rising number of COVID cases among staff and pupils.

A total of 40 pupils have now been confirmed to have to virus, along with six members of staff. A further four members of staff are awaiting the results of a PCR test.

It was announced yesterday evening that the school would be partially closed today, due to a lack of staff. Today, 196 pupils who were able to attend school did so, while 116 were provided online learning from home. A further 129 pupils were absent from school for a variety of reasons. Some remained at home due to developing COVID, or for self-isolation purposes, while others were kept home by parents due to concerns over the current situation.

Orkney Islands Council has confirmed this evening that four classes will not be returning to school until at least Thursday. These are P3M, P6E and P7E and P7M.

Papdale Nursery is also closed in full until the same date due to all staff having been contact traced.

Authorities have said that the situation is being kept under constant review by NHS Orkney Public Health and OIC and daily updates are being provided to parents, staff and the wider community via the head teachers and communications on the council website and social media, and local media outlets.

Online learning to those pupils having to remain at home is being provided by the school.

OIC executive director of education, leisure and housing, James Wylie, said: “The situation at Papdale is changing at pace and I must commend the Head Teacher and her staff for doing all they can to ensure learning continues for pupils whether that is in class or remotely during these extenuating circumstances. My same thanks must go to the Nursery manager and colleagues for also going the extra mile to work through the challenges.

“Orkney has been very lucky up to this stage with comparatively low numbers of COVID-19, however we are all now facing a very different picture – the waves which have hit other areas are now on our shores. I must also praise parents who have, on the whole, been very supportive of the staff at Papdale and recognise the tremendous efforts they have been putting in to try and follow the Public Health guidance and ensure the most appropriate and safe plans are in place.

“As already said, we continue to meet with Public Health, Environmental Health, Safety and Resilience and Education staff to evaluate the present situation to influence the next steps. As a result of staffing issues due to COVID we have no alternative but to keep the P7 classes closed for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. We will update all parents as soon as possible if this position changes and further closures are required.

“We do understand that there are differing opinions on this; some parents are anxious about sending their child to school where there have been positive cases and there are others who feel that given the enhanced mitigating measures in place, that routines and learning should continue whenever possible.  What we must do as educators is look to the advice and guidance of Public Health and collectively, in a multi-agency way, find the balance.

“I joined an Environmental Health colleague from the Council, along with the Head Teacher,  this morning (Monday) on a walk through the school to evaluate the mitigations in place. For all those that may be concerned Environmental Health are confident that appropriate measures are being taken.

“There is no doubt that the virus is not going to disappear in the near future so we must adapt as best we can. Our children deserve an education and that is what we will strive to provide. Please continue to follow the guidance which is outlined by our colleagues at NHS Orkney.”

NHS Orkney say around one in three people with COVID-19 don’t show any symptoms.

The health authority has emphasised that it’s more important than ever to take your two free COVID lateral flow tests every week and record your results, even if you are fully vaccinated and don’t have symptoms.

Lateral flow test kits can be collected from community pharmacies and local test sites or ordered online at nhsinform.scot/testing.  You can access the direct link to order LFD tests here: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow.

Recording both positive and negative results allows the NHS to track the presence of the virus in our communities.

Find out more at nhsinform.scot/testing

If you, or anyone in your household is displaying symptoms of COVID, which include a continuous cough, temperature and loss in taste or smell, or you have a positive Lateral Flow test (LFD) you MUST self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test by calling 01856 888211.