PUPILS from a Wee County primary school were told to self-isolate last week after being confirmed as close contacts of a person with confirmed Covid-19.

Parents were contacted by NHS Forth Valley on Monday, February 22, to confirm contact tracing was being carried out at Alva PS.

Texts were sent to the parents of the affected children on Friday, February 26, confirming they would have to self-isolate for 10 days.

A Clackmannanshire Council spokesperson said: "NHS Forth Valley's Test and Protect team is carrying out Covid-19 contact tracing at Alva Primary.

"Anyone who has tested positive is self-isolating at home along with the rest of their household.

"Close contacts have also been advised to self-isolate and get tested as a precaution and given appropriate advice and support.

"Families were contacted by the school to update them on the action being taken and those unaffected young people are continuing to go to school as normal.

"Robust control measures are in place at the school and there is currently no evidence of transmission within the school itself."

Pre-school children in early learning and children in P1-3 only returned to full time learning on Monday, February 22.

Ahead of the return, deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "I appreciate only too well the burden being placed on many families as they navigate this COVID pandemic.

"I am also acutely aware of the need to maintain teaching and learning wherever possible.

"In doing so, the health and wellbeing of our children, young people and staff is paramount.

"My priority has been to ensure a safe return for children and young people to school and nursery as quickly as possible.

"That is why the steps that have been announced today are guided by the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and public health experts.

"Children and young people will begin a gradual, phased return to classrooms supported by a testing regime and enhanced guidance.

"A sense of caution underpins the plans unveiled today, but this is essential as we work to return to full time teaching in schools."

According to the Scottish Government, the majority of primary and secondary school pupils will continue with remote learning until at least mid-March.