Schools hit by virus just days after they re-open

PUPILS SENT HOME TO SELF ISOLATE

A NUMBER of schools across the North East have been affected by coronavirus days after re-opening.

A positive Covid case was confirmed at a primary school in Blyth and a “small number” were found at a first school in North Tyneside.

In some cases, schools decided to close altogether for a deep clean, while others have asked pupils in particular year groups to self isolate.

Affected schools say they have been working with Public Health England and are following Government guidelines. Year One pupils at

Newsham Primary School, in Blyth, have been asked to self isolate after a child tested positive for Covid-19.

A Year One pupil was diagnosed with coronavirus and all children from that class were told to stay at home and isolate for 14 days.

In a letter to parents and carers, sent out on Sunday evening, headteacher Anne-Marie Armstrong wrote: “I can tell you that the child who has tested positive for Covid19 is in Year 1.

“Public Health have stated that all Y1 pupils need to isolate for 14 days from Thursday, September 3rd, which is the last day that this child was in school. The isolation period will therefore expire on Thursday, September 17th.

“Other family members of Y1 pupils and staff do not need to isolate for 14 days.”

Parents were informed on Sunday that there had been confirmed cases of Covid-19 at Marine Park First School, Whitley Bay.

Messages were sent to the parents/carers of children of classes that needed to self isolate.

A school letter said: “It is only the children in these classes that need to self isolate – not siblings or other family members. To avoid c o n f u - sion the letter has the class name at the top. If you did not receive a text then your child does not need to self isolate at this time and can come to school.”

Wendy Burke, North Tyneside Council’s director of public health, said: “We can confirm there are a small number of confirmed cases at Marine Park First School and along with Public Health England, we are supporting the school.

“Our very best wishes are with those affected and we wish them a full and swift recovery.

“We know this may cause some worry amongst parents and the local community, but the school has taken all necessary steps and all those who have been in close contact have been spoken to and are self isolating at home.

“Children should attend the school as normal unless parents have been contacted directly.”

Headteacher Stephen Easton added: “The health and wellbeing of our pupils, staff and school community is always our top priority.

“I would like to re-assure parents/carers that we continue to follow Government guidelines, including strict safety measures.”