School shut as Covid cases rise
A SCHOOL is to remain closed until next week following more positive Covid-19 test results within the student and staff community.
Wilsthorpe School confirmed it would be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the positive results after the bank holiday weekend. In an update, it was confirmed the closure would run until Monday, May 10, reopening on May 11.
In a letter from the head teacher published on the Long Eaton school’s website, it said:
“In my previous letter, I committed to providing families with an update by lunchtime today. I am now able to confirm that we have made the decision to remain closed to all students.
“We have continued to receive notifications of positive lateral flow test and PCR test results from students and staff.
“We have decided to take this cautious
approach in consultation with our colleagues at the Two Counties Trust and public health agencies to limit the potential spread of Covid19. The school will reopen on Tuesday,
11th May, with the usual staggered start times.”
Head teacher Mr Hobbs also confirmed it was Public Health England guidance that all pupils should selfisolate until their return.
In addition, an open letter from
Derbyshire County Council to parents and carers of Wilsthorpe pupils asked for people to get tested.
A mobile testing unit will be at the school to provide this PCR testing for students, and their households/ bubbles with or without symptoms.
There will be drive through and walk-in facilities. This will be in the Wilsthorpe school car park from 9.30am to 5.30pm until Sunday.
If someone has been identified as a close contact, they must selfisolate for the full 10 days, even if they get a negative test result in that time.
An urgent joint statement was also published from two nearby schools - Parklands Infant and Nursery School and Harrington Junior. It reads: “You will be aware that Wilsthorpe School is closed due to the high number of positive Covid-19 cases. The situation is now very serious.” It added: “This may mean that Harrington and Parklands pupils will need to attend for testing if they have a sibling at Wilsthorpe.
“To assist in keeping positive cases in our schools as low as possible, we are strongly advising that any pupil with a sibling attending Wilsthorpe School does not attend our schools... until they have completed their PCR test and a negative result has been obtained – usually between 1-3 days.”