ARGYLL and Bute Council’s leader has described the Hermitage Academy Covid-19 cases as “a very sharp reminder” that the virus remains out there.
But Councillor Aileen Morton is also hopeful that if residents follow Government advice, the outbreak can be suppressed quickly.
Two pupils at the Helensburgh school – one in S2 and one in S4 – were confirmed on Monday, August 31 as having tested positive for Covid-19. They had last attended school three days earlier.
NHS Highland’s health protection team confirmed in a letter to parents at the Academy that close contacts of the confirmed cases were being identified.
READ MORE: Two Hermitage Academy pupils test positive for Covid-19, NHS confirms
Councillor Morton said: “Clearly this is a very sharp reminder that Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and that the risks of transmission exist everywhere.
“It is so important that people continue to ensure social distancing, regular hand hygiene and the wearing of masks to help prevent the spread of the virus.
“The national decision to reopen schools was based on the balance of risks – because keeping schools closed also brings risks.
“It has always been acknowledged that every step forward in the move out of lockdown brings with it the risk of increased transmission, and so cases associated with schools across the country are unwelcome but not unexpected.
READ MORE: Parents 'must keep sending health Hermitage pupils to school', following Covid cases
“I very much appreciate how concerning this will be to everyone in the community, particularly for those who are vulnerable, but outbreaks in other areas have been brought under control following the advice of Public Health Scotland and hopefully the same can be achieved here very quickly.”
Meanwhile, another Helensburgh councillor has echoed the thoughts of two others by saying that pupils must continue to attend school despite the positive cases.
Councillor Richard Trail said “The return of the pupils into school has been essential. Their future prospects depend upon their education attainment.
“There is no real substitute for learning in a classroom with a teacher. The two cases of coronavirus are unfortunate, but so long as the outbreak can be contained the school should remain open while taking all sensible precautions.”
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