Coronavirus: Lanark Grammar School to shut temporarily

Lanark Grammar School in South Lanarkshire will remain shut on Friday as a "precautionary" measure and will re-open on Monday. 

A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Council said that the individual with coronavirus is self-isolating at home and is giving no cause for concern.

The school is currently working closely with NHS Lanarkshire’s public health team to contact staff and parents and update them on the situation.

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Dr John Logan, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health medicine, said: “We would like to reassure all staff and parents that the risk of contracting coronavirus from this individual is very low.

“Our public health team is in the process of identifying and contacting the limited number of people who were in very close contact with the confirmed case and issuing public health advice.

“We want to reassure these teachers and parents – and indeed everyone at this time – that they should follow the most up-to-date healthcare advice, which can be found on the NHS Inform website. 

“We would like to thank everyone at the school for their cooperation and support. We are working towards re-opening the school on Monday.”

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Tony McDaid, Executive Director for Education at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “The health and safety of our staff and young people are of paramount importance to us.
“As soon as we were notified of this matter we immediately met with NHS Lanarkshire’s public health officials and agreed that to close temporarily as a precaution would be the most appropriate step to take.

“We of course regret the inconvenience this will cause but hope parents, carers and others will understand our reasons for this course of action and fully support our decision.

“We will keep all parents, staff and teachers updated during this period.”