1,000 pupils self isolate in major virus outbreak
Families urged to get tested after 28 positive cases of suspected Indiant variant at 3 schools
HOUSEHOLDS with links to any Leek schools are being urged to get a covid test after cases of the Indian Variant are suspected in the town.
So far, 28 people connected to Westwood College, St Edward’s Middle School and Leek High School have tested positive for the virus, and almost 1,000 pupils and staff are self-isolating due to close contacts with the cases within school bubbles during half term.
Health chiefs suspect some cases may be due to the variant of concern first found in India and it’s unclear if pupils will return next week.
Health chiefs are now urging families with links to all schools in Leek to get a PCR test, as these can be sent for genotyping.
Dr Richard Harling, the County Council’s director for health and care, said: “Over the Bank Holiday weekend we saw a sharp surge in the number of positive cases identified in pupils and staff at schools in Leek with some transmission to other family members.
“We want to identify any further cases as quickly as possible and contain this outbreak.
“This is a timely reminder that Covid is still with us and how important it is for everyone to stick to the rules, get tested regularly, isolate if required and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
People who have already been asked to isolate should also get a PCR test and must continue to isolate even if they have a negative result.
Extra local testing arrangements are now being finalised, and in the meantime people can also find their nearest centre online at www.nhs.uk/ coronavirus.