Papdale Primary School remains open as 40 pupils self-isolate

Papdale Primary School remains open this Wednesday morning, after the discovery of a number of COVID-19 cases among pupils and staff.

Warn and inform letters have been sent to parents of children in P3, 6 and 7 advising them of a potential situation at the school, which has landed as many as 40 pupils in self-isolation.

As of Tuesday evening, four positive PCR test results and nine positive lateral flow test results had been confirmed among pupils. One positive PCR and one positive lateral flow test result have been identified among staff members.

Authorities in Orkney expect the number of positive PCR test results to rise as a result.

According to Orkney Islands Council (OIC), at least 40 children are currently absent from the school for a variety of COVID-related reasons, such as self-isolation, or because they are symptomatic and awaiting a PCR test.

There are 440 P1-P7 pupils at Papdale – Orkney’s largest primary school – and at present the school remains open with contingency plans in place.

School staff and secondary students are asked to continue carrying out their twice-weekly lateral flow tests and registering their results. These tests are available from schools, or can be collected at Boots, Sutherlands in Stromness and Kirkwall and can be ordered online.

James Wylie, OIC’s executive director of education, leisure and housing, said: “We appreciate that there will be a high level of concern among parents and carers of children at Papdale Primary School at present; something which we experienced recently within Stromness Academy.

”I want to reassure everyone that we continue – as we have done for the past 20 months – to follow Public Health guidance and to ensure all mitigating measures are in place to keep everyone as safe as is possible.

“We will continue to provide support for pupils attending at school and for those who are self-isolating. If anyone is experiencing any symptoms, then they must stay at home and follow NHS guidance.

“We would stress that it is vital for secondary pupils and all staff to continue participating in the twice-weekly testing, to log the results online and for everyone else in the community to stick to the guidance of wearing face coverings when inside, keeping the required distance from others and to maintain handwashing and sanitising.”

Orkney has witnessed mounting cases in recent days, clocking up 113 in the seven days following October 23.

NHS Orkney and OIC  have said they are continuing to work closely on the widespread community transmission of COVID-19 and, to date, no major clusters have been identified.

NHS Orkney Public Health reiterated the need for everyone to continue to follow the guidance given the widespread community transmission.

An NHSO spokeswoman said: “Please continue to use lateral flow tests if you are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID and don’t forget 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.”

To book a PCR test please call 01856 888211.