Coronavirus has broken out at a Three Towns secondary school again, with several told to self-isolate.

Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at St Matthew's Academy in Saltcoats.

This is at least the third outbreak at the school which has pupils from across North Ayrshire including Irvine, Largs, Dalry and the Three Towns.

Lynne McNiven, Joint Director of Public Health, said: "NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Test & Protect team is conducting contact tracing within St Matthew’s Academy in the North Ayrshire Council area.

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"A small number of individuals are being contacted by the Test and Protect team and told to self-isolate at home for 14 days following contact with three isolated positive cases."

A pupil tested positive for the virus in August, with a small group then told to self-isolate.

The school was one of six with confirmed cases all at the same time in October.

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Ms McNiven said: "We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure people that every measure is being taken to protect pupils and staff.

"To respect and maintain patient confidentiality it is not possible to release any further information at this time.

"We would like to remind people of the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19): new persistent cough; high temperature; and / or loss of taste and smell. Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately."