Monday 16th November 2020
As you will be aware we had our first positive case on Friday 13 November, 2020 and as a result a number of young people in S4 are being asked to isolate at home.
Several parent/carers have raised understandable concerns and I thought it would be useful to explain the public health process to all parent/carers.
When a positive case is identified we automatically notify the Public Health Protection team (HPT) at NHS Lothian and advise them. We also inform our School Group Manager at Midlothian Council.
The case is triaged by a HPT nurse as soon as possible. In the meantime we complete a comprehensive risk assessment for the individual student and then start a tracing process to identify any potential close contacts which is clearly defined within the health guidance. We use seating plans for every class and other formal activities in school, look at breaks and lunchtimes and who they were with in contact with at that time. We also consider outside clubs. Staff contact home to speak to the young person and/or their family about the days they were in school to look at potential contacts. This is considered for each day public health considers they were infectious. Students are not deemed at risk if they are in the same class but only if they are likely to have been in close contact long enough to be at risk. All close contact information is sent through to the HPT who then call me to discuss. All health information is dealt with as sensate and confidential.
The public health advice for all other students or staff in school is that if they develop any symptoms they should contact NHS Inform and arrange a test. However, if you had any concerns about any contact that may have been missed through Trace and Protect, please do contact the school to discuss.
As of today our Guidance and Support for Learning staff have swung into action to contact all isolating students and teaching staff are updating Google classrooms. We value any feedback at any time from the parent/carers of isolating students as it is important we support you at this difficult time.
I know this may be a worrying time for families. We remain vigilant in school and enhanced cleaning and monitoring of health and safety protocols are in place and we will continue to work to have a safe learning environment
Kind regards
Craig Biddick Head Teacher (Acting)
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