AN INDIVIDUAL at a Wee County primary school has tested positive for Covid-19.

NHS Forth Valley's Test and Protect team has been working to identify close contacts of a person who has tested positive for coronavirus at Banchory Primary School.

Pupils who have not been identified as close contacts can continue to attend the Tullibody school, said health officials.

Lorraine Sanda, chief education officer at Clackmannanshire Council, said: “I know that parents and carers will be very concerned that an individual has tested positive for Covid-19 but I would like to reassure them that we have been and will continue to follow the strict Scottish Government and NHS guidelines regarding hygiene in our schools.

“We are also working closely with NHS Forth Valley’s Public Health team.”

Meanwhile, contact tracing activity is also ongoing at Larbert High and Stenhousemuir Primary schools in the wider area.

Dr Jennifer Champion, public health consultant at NHS Forth Valley, said: “Apart from those who have been identified as close contacts, all other staff and pupils can continue to attend these schools as normal and do not require to self-isolate or book a test.”

According to the health board, initial information suggests the virus was contracted outside of school and there is no evidence at this stage of any transmission within the premises.

The individual who has tested positive is also self-isolating with the rest of their household.

The local authority has sent letters to all parents at the school to provide reassurance.

Dr Champion added: “We have seen a recent concerning rise in cases across Scotland, including in Forth Valley, and it’s therefore important that we all stick to the guidelines to stop this virus spreading any further or faster in our local communities.

“This includes physical distancing and limiting the number of people you have contact with.

“No more than eight people from a maximum of three households should gather indoors at a time and no more than 15 people from a maximum of five households should gather outdoors at a time and this includes meeting up with friends and families in pubs, restaurants or other venues.”

Children can continue to attend the school if their parents have not been advised that the child has been identified as a close contact – and if they and the rest of the household are well.