A school staff member from Tetbury has tested positive for coronavirus after returning from Italy.
The news comes as a second case of the virus was confirmed in the Gloucestershire area today.
12 new cases have been confirmed in the UK, bringing the total to 35 as of 2pm this afternoon.
St Mary’s Primary School, just two miles from the Wiltshire border, issued the following statements to parents: ” I can comfirm that a member of staff at the school has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently getting all necessary support and advice from health services.
“Whilst I fully understand this will cause anxiety amongst the school community, I can assure you all necessary steps are being taken to minimise risk to others.
“A deep clean of the school was carried out on Saturday, February 29.
“All people who have had contact with the person have already been identified, contacted and know if they need to exclude themselves from school.
“From a health perspective it’s not necessary to close the school, we do have some operational difficulties with staff members and so I have taken the decision to close the school, hopefully re-opening on Wednesday.
“The best thing we can all do it to make sure we follow the public health advice which is to: Catch coughs and sneezes with a tissue, dispose of the tissue in a bit immediately and then wash your hands with soap and water of hand sanitizer.
“Wash your hands with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer) frequently and especially on arrival and before leaving home or any childcare or educational setting, before cooking and eating, after using the toilet, and after breaks or sporting activities.
“I will update you when i have further information to give.”
