A PUPIL at St Matthew's Academy has tested positive for coronavirus. 

A small group of pupils at the Saltcoats secondary school have been contacted and told to self-isolate. 

NHS Ayrshire and Arran Test and Protect team confirmed that a child has been infected with COVID-19. 

In a letter to parents the head teacher says that a "very small group of pupils" had been identified as close contacts. 

Parents of the children who have to self-isolate have been informed. 

Dr Crawford McGuffie, Medical Director, said: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Health Protection Team is conducting a contact tracing exercise with a small number of pupils in a North Ayrshire Council secondary school who have had contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

"These individuals are being contacted by the Test and Protect team and told to self-isolate at home for 14 days.

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

"We would like to remind people of the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19): new 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."

The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald have also contacted North Ayrshire Council for comment.