THERE have been two confirmed cases of coronavirus at a school in Chard in less than a week.

Holyrood Academy, the town's secondary school, revealed on October 25 that a pupil in Year 7 had contracted the virus.

As a result 92 pupils, plus staff members, were self-isolating and would not return to the school until November 5.

A spokesperson for Holyrood said: “Public Health England South West and Somerset County Council’s Public Health and Education teams are working together to support pupils, parents and staff following a confirmed case of Covid-19 at the school.

"Close contacts of the confirmed case, a Year 7, have been provided with public health advice and are self-isolating for the recommended 14 days."

Despite a 'comprehensive deep clean of the affected areas of the school' a year 11 pupil was confirmed to have contracted the virus yesterday (October 28).

The school spokesman added: "Following discussions with PHE this involves a total of 27 pupils plus staff members, who now won’t return to school after half-term until Monday, November 9.

"This number is in addition to the 92 pupils who will return on Thursday, November 5, following an initial positive case in a year 7 student.

"School staff and parents have been provided with public health advice including what to do if someone becomes symptomatic.

"Parents have been advised it is not necessary for any other member of the household to self-isolate unless they become symptomatic.

"It is also not necessary to arrange for a test unless you are symptomatic."

Public Health England has also provided the school with advice on infection prevention and control, and staff will reinforce the key messages to combat Covid-19:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • Wash your hands as soon as you get home
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.”