Covid outbreak at Galashiels primary sees 46 positive tests

St Peter's Primary School in Galashiels. Photo: Bill McBurnie.

However, those who have been confirmed to have the virus are reported to be currently doing well and showing mild or no symptoms.

Close contacts have been advised to self-isolate and seek a PCR test and other identified contacts are being followed up and given appropriate advice.

All pupils are now self-isolating at home and will be supported with home learning.

This means that the nursery at St Peter’s is the only provision currently operating at the school. Information will be provided directly to parents with regards to when classes can resume in school, however, the summer break begins on June 23.

This outbreak is being actively managed and closely monitored by an Incident Management Team (IMT) consisting of NHS Borders, NHS Test and Protect, Scottish Borders Council and education colleagues.

Speaking on Monday, the chair of the IMT and nurse consultant in health protection at NHS Borders, Chris Faldon, said: “The variant of Covid-19 involved in this outbreak is likely to be extremely transmissible.

“As a result we are being extra cautious and taking additional steps to further minimise the risk of any wider spread of the virus.

"These further precautions include advising targeted secondary contacts, such as siblings of contacts and those working in high risk settings, to self-isolate for 10 days.

"The IMT met today and we are confident that this outbreak has been contained with those identified by our contact tracing team now self-isolating at home.

“This outbreak is a timely reminder that Covid-19 is still circulating and highly contagious. Please be vigilant and remember that Covid-19 tests are not just for those who develop symptoms. Whilst it is vital to self-isolate and book a PCR test if you develop any Covid-19 symptoms, everyone in Scotland can access free, twice weekly LFD tests through a number of routes.

“You can also protect yourself, family, friends, neighbours and colleagues by coming forward to get vaccinated when it is your turn, including when it is time for your second dose to ensure that you have greater protection against Covid-19.”