COCKENZIE Primary School's playground was much quieter than usual today (Friday) due to a significant number of pupils off sick with the norovirus and others being kept at home by parents as a precautionary measure.

 A sickness and diarrhoea bug - believed to be viral gastroenteritis, also known as the norovirus -  sweeping through Cockenzie and Port Seton has led to a high number of school absences this week.

On Wednesday, about 40 children were absent and that number  increased by about 18 on Thursday, when after-school activities, including the after-school club, were cancelled.

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council told us this afternoon: "Cockenzie Primary had a further 15 pupils off today and one member of staff.

"Further ‘deep cleans’ [of the school] are planned for over the weekend and NHS Lothian are aware of cases throughout the region just now but hopefully the peak has passed."

Advice by the school and NHS Lothian to parents has been to keep sick children off school until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.

It is hoped that Cockenzie's after-school club will re-open on Monday.

Professor Alison McCallum, director of public health and health policy, NHS Lothian, said: "We are monitoring cases of norovirus circulating in the wider community, including an outbreak at Cockenzie Primary School.

"The health protection team at NHS Lothian have issued letters to parents with information and advice and are keeping in regular contact with the school, which remains open as normal.

"Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is very contagious. However, you can help reduce the spread of infection with frequent and thorough hand-washing, and disinfecting surfaces that are easily contaminated.

"If you should get the infection, do not go to school or to work until you have been clear of any symptoms for 48 hours. If symptoms persist beyond 72 hours, contact your doctor.”

Community youth football club Cockenzie Star has cancelled all its games and training involving primary school age groups this weekend as a precautionary measure.