STRICT control measures are in place at Hermitage Academy to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, Argyll and Bute Council has said.
The authority released a statement on the evening of Wednesday, September 2, two days after two pupils at the Helensburgh school were confirmed as positive cases of the virus.
The council also repeated what health officials said when they confirmed the Hermitage cases on Monday – that there is no evidence of transmission of the virus within the school.
One of the pupils concerned is in S2 and the other is in S4.
One Academy parent told the Advertiser: “I asked the school about what cleaning procedures were in place and I was told ‘our routine cleaning is enough’ and that public health officials have advised they don’t need to do extra cleaning.
“There were rumours flying about on Facebook on Monday but the first confirmation parents got was when we received the letter on Monday evening.
READ MORE: Contact tracing under way as two pupils test positive for Covid-19 at Hermitage Academy
“Why are some schools where there have been Covid cases doing extra cleaning and others are not?
“I’m worried sick – I’m doing my best to keep my family safe right now and I want reassurances that the school is doing the same."
The council's statement also backed up the views of local councillors who have previously said that youngsters should continue to attend school.
A council spokesperson said: “We are aware that positive Covid-19 cases can cause some local anxiety in the community.
“Please be reassured that NHS Highland’s health protection team is working closely with colleagues within Argyll and Bute Council to continually monitor the situation at Hermitage Academy.
“Strict control measures are in place at the school and there is currently no evidence of transmission within the school itself.
“Prior to re-opening the school for the new term, a range of measures were implemented to meet Scottish Government guidance for schools/educational settings and this included enhanced cleaning systems.
“These remain in place to minimise the risks from Covid-19, and undertaken daily and over weekends.
“The school remains open and, unless they have been identified as a close contact, your child should continue to attend if they remain well.
"Children and staff should not attend school if they develop any of the common symptoms.
“For most people, Covid-19 will be a mild illness.
"If you develop symptoms you should remain self-isolating at home for 10 days from the date when your symptoms appeared, even if this takes you over the 14-day period currently advised.”
READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines by clicking here
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