GALASHIELS Academy is among the schools with pupils who are having to self-isolate, Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has confirmed.

Giving a coronavirus update to this newspaper, the council also revealed that the town’s Balmoral Primary is one of the schools affected.

An SBC spokesperson added that incidents at Galashiels’ St Peter’s Primary and Burgh Primary are no longer being managed as “ongoing incidents” – with the former having reopened to P1-P7s on Monday.

Aside from the Galashiels schools, the SBC spokesperson said that Peebles High School, Berwickshire High School, Selkirk High School, Jedburgh Community Campus, Burnfoot Community School (Hawick) and West Linton Primary all have cases.

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The spokesperson added that a number of young people and staff are self-isolating across these schools as they have been deemed ‘close contacts’ of positive cases.

Last week Tweeddale East councillor Shona Haslam, leader of SBC, said: “We are working closely with NHS Borders to manage any COVID-19 incidents in our schools and continue to ensure the most appropriate advice and updates are provided as required for parents and staff.

“When action is required this is being taken quickly and in partnership with schools and parents.”

The Conservative representative added: “We have all necessary risk assessments and safety measures in place in our schools but these new cases are a timely reminder that COVID-19 isn’t going away just yet. Please be extra vigilant and continue to follow all the guidance in place.”

Over the weekend, 63 cases of coronavirus were recorded in the Borders – taking the total number in the region to 3,148 since the start of the pandemic.

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Last week, NHS Borders chief executive Ralph Roberts said: “Cases of COVID-19 are rising not only across Scotland but also here in the Borders.

“It is vital that we do not become complacent to the threat of this highly transmissible virus.

“When you mix with others there is a potential opportunity to catch or pass on COVID-19 – be this at school, work or in social settings. This is even more likely with the new Delta variant that is in circulation.

“Please consider how many people you are mixing with and the circumstances around these occasions – for example meet outdoors and in smaller groups whenever possible.

“It is crucial that we all continue to stick to the rules and follow the FACTS.

“We know that the vaccine is safe and has an impact on hospital admissions as well as the severity of cases.

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“Please protect yourself and your loved ones by coming forward to get vaccinated when it is your turn, including when it is time for your second dose to ensure that you have greater protection against COVID-19.”

NHS Borders recently announced that it has started vaccinating 18 to 29-year-olds in the next stage of its programme.

More than 81,500 people have now received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the Borders, according to the health board, while more than 63,500 people have had their second jab.

A drop-in clinic on Saturday (26 June) will run in the Borders Events Centre – at Springwood Park in Kelso – for those aged 30 and over who have yet to be vaccinated.

It will also be available if you had your first dose before May 2 and are awaiting your second dose, even if you already have an appointment for your second dose.