Noadswood School confirms case of coronavirus

A COVID-19 case has been reported today (Thursday) at Noadswood School in Dibden Purlieu.

Parents were updated in a statement issued by head teacher Kathryn Marshall who said someone in the “school community” had tested positive.

She said: “The school community member who tested positive and those identified as close contacts according to the guidance are now self-isolating.

“In this specific case no students have been identified as close contacts and therefore no students have been contacted and directed to self-isolate. This was confirmed with the Department for Education this morning.

“The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they re-main well. Please continue to support us in keeping your child at home should they become unwell and unable to attend school and if they develop any one of the three main Covid-19 symptoms.”

These are: a new, continuous cough, temperature, or loss of taste or smell. Government advice is to get a test as soon as possible

The school in North Road has about 1,000 pupils, and Ms Marshall said she could not more clearly identify the person who had tested positive due to data protection laws.

She said: “We know that you may find this concerning, but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working directly with the Department for Education and Public Health England in managing a positive Covid-19 case.

“We continue to be rigorous in our daily practice for managing school operation safely which is in line with the school’s risk assessment and we have informed any community member if we believe they have been a close contact of the person with a positive test.”

The head teacher also asked parents to remind their children that in areas of the school where a two-metre distance cannot be maintained, they must wear a face covering, if able.

She added: “If your child develops symptoms of Covid-19, they must not come to Noadswood and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared.

“All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your ‘support bubble’.”