St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon is taking precautionary measures after a pupil tested positive for COVID-19.
The pupil is in Year 9 and while all precautionary and proper bubble measures have been followed, the school has agreed to take additional precautions with advice from public health professionals and ask 213 Year 9 pupils to self-isolate for 14 days until they can return on Tuesday 20 October. The Year 9 pupil did not use public or school transport to attend school.
The school has already arranged for all Year 9 pupils to continue their learning at home during this time.
The school has been working closely with Wiltshire Council’s Public Health Team to ensure high standards of hygiene and social distancing are maintained and all the necessary measures are in place. The self-isolation of the pupils is very precautionary to minimise any risk to others.
Two other members of staff who on different dates tested positive in separate incidents are already self-isolating. As a precaution, a total of seven Year 9 and Year 11 pupils had already been self-isolating in connection with the earlier one of those cases. The recent Year 9 pupil is a separate case and it is highly unlikely there has been any transmission in school.
Headteacher Fergus Stewart said: “We have written to all parents and guardians to explain the situation. I want to thank all our parents for their understanding and support as we take these precautionary but important measures. The safety of everyone within our school community is of paramount importance and we will continue to work with the Wiltshire Council’s Public Health Team. I look forward to welcoming our students back in a couple of weeks.”
Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, said: “This precautionary action is very important to keep the risk of any transmission within the school community as low as possible. We continue to support the school so their high standard of COVID-19 measures are maintained.
“Anyone that is asked to self-isolate should follow the government guidance and stay at home; if they don’t have symptoms they do not need to get a test. However, if a member of their household has symptoms and takes a test then they should self-isolate.
“We ask that people regularly wash hands, maintain social distancing and wear face coverings where appropriate – this is the best way to keep you and everyone safe as much as possible.”
