Kentish Express Ashford & District
Pupil tests positive for coronavirus
A school pupil has tested positive for coronavirus and is the first person to be confirmed with the illness in the borough.
The child, who attends The North School, is now self-isolating along with family members.
Head teacher Anna Lawrence confirmed the case on Monday, posting a letter to parents on the Essella Road school’s website.
Mrs Lawrence said she had consulted with Public Health England (PHE) and after “liaising closely” with the authority it was agreed that closure of the school and deep cleaning was not necessary.
She wrote: “Following a risk assessment by PHE, I can confirm the individual has not attended school while they have been symptomatic and therefore would not have had direct contact with anyone at school while they were infectious.
“Therefore there is no need for further action by the school in relation to this case.”
But concern remained high among some parents who contacted the Kentish Express with fears that more drastic preventative measures should have been implemented.
It follows the closure and deep cleaning of St John Fisher
Catholic Comprehensive School in Chatham, where a Year 8 pupil was diagnosed with coronavirus.
There is also uncertainty as to what extent people can pass on the illness while they are symptom-free, following a report issued by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health that showed signs of the virus do not appear for an average of 5.1 days after infection.
But when contacted by the Kentish Express, PHE said its advice was based on that of England’s chief medical advisor professor Chris Whitty, which is that the risk of transmitting the coronavirus to others is highest in the first few days of symptoms appearing.
A mum, who wished to remain anonymous, was critical of the school for not closing for a deep clean and claimed that hand sanitisers were only available at the school office and nurses’ room, despite the school previously stating it would place them throughout the building.
She added: “There are lot of worried parents, some of whom haven’t sent their child into school.”
On Tuesday, head teacher Mrs Lawrence said it was business as usual and issued a second letter on the school’s website stating: “The school is fully operational and our students have enjoyed a good day of learning.”
■ See pages 14-15 for more on the coronavirus in Kent and how it will impact events and attractions in the county.