A BORDERS school says contact tracing is being carried out following a new case of COVID-19.

Selkirk High School head teacher Jamie Bryson has penned a letter alongside Lesley Munro – Scottish Borders Council’s service director for young people, engagement and inclusion.

As first reported by Radio Borders, the letter urges parents to be on their guard, adding that children should not attend if they – or members of their household – display virus symptoms.

The letter reads: “For your information, we are aware of NHS Contact Tracing activity within the Selkirk High School community. This is in relation to a single case of COVID-19.

“The purpose of this communication is simply to raise awareness and ensure that the wider school community is vigilant at all times to COVID-19 symptoms as a matter of course.”

READ MORE: Supermarket worker tests positive in the Borders

The letter goes on to read: “Please note that due to patient confidentiality we cannot disclose any further information, but please be assured that all appropriate measures are in place to protect young people and staff as far as possible.

“Additional cleaning will be completed prior to the start of the school day on Monday.

“It is clear that the threat of COVID-19 remains significant and this requires ever present vigilance.

“It is vital that no child attends school if they are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms. These are a new persistent cough, temperature and/or loss or change in ability to taste or smell.

“With this in mind your child/children must not attend if they or any household member is showing symptoms of COVID-19 and the school must be advised of their absence.

“In these circumstances you should seek a COVID-19 test as soon as possible via the government portal www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test and all household members should self-isolate. You should let the school know the result of the test as soon as you receive it.

“The situation will be monitored closely and we will work with NHS Borders to ensure the most appropriate advice is given to you and updates provided as required.

“Thanks for your ongoing cooperation.”

According to data from Public Health Scotland, there was one new confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Borders on August 23.

There have been 353 cases in the region since the outbreak began, with a total of 74 deaths.