POSITIVE cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at a primary school in West Fife.

It is understood that several pupils and teachers at Cairneyhill Primary School have tested positive for coronavirus in the past week.

Shelagh McLean, Fife Council Head of Education and Children’s Services, said: "Earlier this week we were notified of positive cases of COVID-19 amongst a group of pupils and staff at Cairneyhill Primary School.

"Following government guidance, the parents and guardians of those in the affected class were notified immediately by the school and provided with guidance on the steps to take should their child develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

"We continue to work closely with NHS Fife’s Public Health Department to ensure the necessary measures are in place to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus."

NHS Fife Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Duncan Fortescue-Webb, added: "Transmission rates of COVID-19 within our communities are currently particularly high. With people now mixing much more than they were earlier in the year, we have seen a greater number cases of the virus linked to public places, including workplaces, schools, and hospitality venues.

"Fife's Test and Protect Service works to identify the close contacts of positive cases in order that they can be provided with the appropriate public health advice to prevent further spread, including about self-isolation and testing where needed.”