CORONAVIRUS has hit a school and nursery in Girvan with a small number of individuals advised to self-isolate.

Both Girvan Academy and Girvan Early Years Centre are dealing with cases of COVID-19.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Test and Protect team have confirmed they are carrying out contact tracing in the town.

Health bosses have stressed they are taking every measure to protect pupils and staff.

Between November 10 and November 16 there have been five positive cases in the Girvan Ailsa neighbourhood and nine positive cases Girvan Glendoune.

It comes as South Ayrshire heads for Level 4 lockdown today after cases spiked in the region.

Lynne McNiven, Joint Director of Public Health said: “A small number of individuals are being contacted by the Test and Protect team and told to self-isolate at home for 14 days following contact with a positive case.

“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.

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

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