Schools reveal new cases of coronavirus

TWO schools in Derbyshire have confirmed multiple new cases of coronavirus on their sites.

West Park School, in Spondon, and St Laurence Church of England Primary School, in Long Eaton, have both seen people test positive for the disease this week.

The schools had already seen a number of positive results since students returned in September, and as a result there are now five confirmed cases in each school.

Both remain open as normal, while students who have been in close contact or are in the same bubbles as those who are affected have been told to self-isolate.

In a letter sent to parents on Monday, the head teacher of West Park, Scott McGregor, confirmed a staff member and a student had tested positive. He wrote: “We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been two further confirmed cases of Covid-19 within the school. This relates to a member of staff and a pupil.

“We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please rest assured that for most people, coronavirus (Covid-19) will be a mild illness.”

He added there were not many children who have been forced to self-isolate.

“The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) will receive a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 14 days,” Mr McGregor wrote.

“The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.”

Meanwhile, members of two different class bubbles at St Laurence Church of England Primary School, Long Eaton, have tested positive. In a letter to parents on Wednesday, the school said it was not expecting students in these bubbles to return until November.

“This morning we were made aware that a further two members of our school community have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total to five people,” it said. “As one of the cases involved a member of Greece class we closed that bubble immediately and advised parents not to send their child to school. The second case related to Jamaica class bubble, that are currently selfisolating and therefore have not been in school since Thursday, October 8.

It added children in Jamaica Class should self-isolate until October 23, while those in Greece class should do so until October 24.

A spokesperson said those who have caught the disease are doing well. She said: “We can confirm that there have been positive cases at St Laurence CE Primary School and there are currently two classes of children and a number of staff isolating as a precaution. The school is liaising very closely with the local Health Protection Team and following all advice provided.”