School closes after staff member tests positive for Covid-19

An Aberdeenshire primary school has been forced to close after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

A decision was made to shut Peterhead Central School from Wednesday night as a number of workers went into precautionary self-isolation.

NHS Grampian said its health protection and Test and Protect teams were “working hard” to identify close contacts who may have been exposed to the virus.

The health board later confirmed it had identified a second case of Covid-19 linked to the school.

A NHS Grampian spokesperson said: “A second case of Covid-19, connected with a primary school in Peterhead, has been detected.

“Our investigations are continuing and we are working closely with Aberdeenshire Council.”

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On Thursday, an Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: “A number of staff from Peterhead Central School are currently self-isolating following the identification of a confirmed case of coronavirus within the school team.”

The council later confirmed the primary will remain closed for the remainder of the week as arrangements are made to ensure suitable staffing numbers for the school to reopen.

The spokesperson added: “Further information will be provided to parents when we are able to confirm an opening date.”