A Primary School in a South Ayrshire village has had to shut its doors to pupils and staff because of a coronavirus outbreak.

Pupils and staff at Symington Primary have been contacted by the NHS and told to not go into school because of a number of positive cases linked to it.

Those who have come into contact with somebody who tested positive with the virus are being contacted and told to self-isolate.

The school will remain shut until Monday, June 21 as a precaution.

Lynne McNiven, Director of Public Health confirmed the news in a statement issued yesterday, she said: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Test & Protect team, along with South Ayrshire Council, can confirm that a contact tracing exercise is being carried out within Symington Primary School, following confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

"We have undertaken a careful risk assessment to identify any children and staff who may have had contact with the confirmed cases. The individuals and their households are being contacted and told to self-isolate and book a test. As an additional precautionary measure, Symington Primary School will remain closed until Monday 21 June 2021.

"Furthermore, to support the current risk assessment and to manage the outbreak, all siblings of any child identified as a close contact should not attend school until the confirmed period of isolation ends. The isolation dates for all close contacts have been confirmed in the letter previously issued to parents.

"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.

"The outbreak in Symington Primary School continues to be supported through regular conversations between Education leads within South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Health Protection team.

"We cannot comment directly on transmission of the virus in the wider community. However schools are part of our communities and as such when cases are identified within school settings there may be a link with the places and people who live in the nearby area.

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

"People living in Ayrshire and Arran are reminded to follow the current guidelines and FACTS to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities.

"Rapid COVID-19 testing is now available for people without symptoms in Ayrshire please visit https://www.nhsaaa.net/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/ for information on testing sites available near you.

"Asymptomatic testing will be available at Symington Scout Hut, Brewlands Road, Symington, KA1 5QU on Thursday 10th June to Sunday 13th June between 10am to 6pm. No appointment is needed.

"The local vaccination programme continues to invite Ayrshire residents forward for their COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine offers the best level of protection against the virus and we encourage everyone to take the opportunity when it’s their turn. At the moment the 30 to 39 year old age group are being welcomed to appointments at locations around Ayrshire. If you are aged 40 or over and have not received your vaccine appointment for your first dose please call 0800 030 8013 available 8am - 8pm, seven days a week."