Confirmed Covid-19 case at Somercotes Academy

A small number of students at Somercotes Academy have been asked to stay at home for 14 days following a confirmed case of Covid-19 at the school.
Coronavirus (stock image)Coronavirus (stock image)
Coronavirus (stock image)

The secondary school, in North Somercotes, released a statement on their website on Monday (September 28) regarding the confirmed case.

Principal, Mrs Frances Green, wrote: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school.

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"We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (Covid-19) will be a mild illness.

"The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) have received a letter asking them to stay at home for 14 days. The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well."

Mrs Green added that any child who develops symptoms of Covid-19 should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared.

On Wednesday morning (September 30), it was confirmed that a Year 7 student had tested positive, and a further 18 students who had been in close contact with the child had been sent home to quarantine for 14 days, as each of these students were identified as having been within one metre of the affected child, or had spent over 15 minutes within two metres.

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No teachers have been affected, as all staff remain at least two metres away from students at all times.

The Academy has extensive cleaning measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 but, in line with national guidance, the areas affected have undergone a further deep-clean.

Mrs Green provided a further statement, which states: “We contacted Public Health England as soon as we were made aware of this positive test. We want to reassure parents that the situation is under control and we have followed all of the advice in responding to this matter.

“Letters of guidance from Public Health England have been sent to all parents and members of staff. Parents can be assured that every measure has been taken to ensure the safety of their children, and we have very robust risk assessment processes in place. We urge parents to continue to send their children to school as normal."

In our area, Sutton on Sea Community Primary School and St Helena's CE Primary School, Willoughby, have already seen confirmed cases of Covid-19 within their school community.