The Ayrshire NHS Test and Protect team has taken action after a number of coronavirus cases at a Stewarton Primary school.

Children and staff at Nether Robertland Primary who may have had contact with the multiple confirmed cases have been told to stay at home.

Last week, an outbreak of COVID-19 at neighbouring Stewarton Academy saw Public Health officials conduct contact tracing at the secondary school.

Lynne McNiven, Joint Director of Public Health, said: “NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Health Protection Team, along with East Ayrshire Council, can confirm that a contact tracing exercise is being carried out within Nether Robertland Primary School.

"We have immediately undertaken a careful risk assessment to identify any children and staff who may have had contact with the confirmed cases. These individuals are being contacted by the Test and Protect Team and told to self-isolate at home for 14 days. The risk to the wider school community is currently low and the school will remain open as normal.

"We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure people that every measure is being taken to protect children 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."