BUG OUTBREAK SHUTS SCHOOL
A CARDIFF primary school was closed for a day because of the number of children and staff who have been hit by a vomiting bug.
The head teacher of Tongwynlais Primary said the school had been deep-cleaned over the weekend, but they needed time to reassess the situation so didn’t open yesterday.
There are about 230 pupils at the village primary school on Merthyr Road in Tongwynlais, and Cardiff council has said that around 30 pupils have been affected.
It is understood that many children were off on Friday and staff and more children called in ill over the weekend.
In a message to parents, Mrs Phillips said: “As numbers have increased significantly late today (Sunday) of children and teaching staff with diarrhea and vomiting, we have taken very late further advice from the local authority and have now decided to close school tomorrow to pupils.
“We have had the school deepcleaned over the weekend but now need to take this action to reassess the situation and stop the spread of this winter vomiting virus.
“We are deeply sorry for inconvenience this may cause for parents and carers but are left with no choice.”
The school was due to re-open today.
A spokesman for Cardiff council said: “Thirty pupils have been affected by the bug. The school is closed today for the situation to be assessed, with advice being given from Public Health Wales. There are no reports of other schools being affected.”
A Public Health Wales spokeswoman said: “Public Health Wales is working closely with Cardiff City Council and partners to manage this situation and provide public health advice.
“Public Health Wales advises pupils and staff who have symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhoea to remain off school for 48 hours after symptoms cease. Where this advice means a school cannot be staffed appropriately any decisions around school closure are made by school management for operational reasons.
“We would remind anyone who is unwell at any time with diarrhoea or vomiting who is concerned about their symptoms that they should seek advice from their GP, or NHS Direct Wales especially if their symptoms are severe or last for more than 48 hours.
“Anyone who has been ill should not return to work or school for 48 hours after their last symptoms to prevent spreading infection to others. It is also important to avoid spreading infection to other people at home; people who are unwell should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet and before preparing food, and should not share towels with other people.”