Falkirk area nursery has positive case of Covid-19 confirmed

Initial findings by NHS Forth Valley’s Test and Protect team suggest that the person contracted the virus outside Carronshore Nursery, and there is currently no evidence of any transmission within the setting.

The nursery will be closed on Thursday and Friday while staff undergo tests, but it is planned to reopen on Monday, September 14.

Close contacts of the individual who tested positive have already been identified and are being advised to self-isolate in line with national guidance.

They do not need to be tested unless they develop any of the symptoms of Covid-19.

Apart from those who have been identified and contacted as close contacts, all other staff and pupils can continue to attend the nursery as normal when it reopens next week.

NHS Forth Valley said robust control measures were already in place at the nursery to protect the health of children and staff.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are seeing an increase in cases of Covid-19 in local communities across Forth Valley and it’s therefore really important that everyone follows the national guidance to protect themselves and others.

“This includes physical distancing indoors and outdoors, washing your hands regularly and limiting the number of people you meet and socialise with.

"You should also arrange to get tested immediately if you develop any of the symptoms of Covid-19.”

David Mackay, Head of Education at Falkirk Council said: “We want to reassure parents and carers that we follow strict national guidelines to protect the health of local children and staff and are working closely with NHS Forth Valley’s Public Health team to ensure all necessary actions are taken, including enhanced cleaning.”

This latest confirmed case of Covid-19 within a local education establishment comes after NHS Forth Valley confirmed on Wednesday that contact tracing was under way at Larbert High School, Stenhousemuir Primary School and Banchory Primary School in Tullibody after individuals had tested positive for the virus.

Last week a pupil at Ladeside Primary in Larbert was also confirmed as having Covid-19.