Rise in coronavirus cases forces Cornish primary school to close for 10 days
Pupils at Stithians C.P. School will switch to home learning until Monday 4th October
Last updated 22nd Sep 2021
A village primary school in Cornwall has been forced to close for 10 days because of a rise in coronavirus infections.
Pupils at Stithians C.P. School will change to online home learning from Wednesday 22nd September.
Students will be allowed to return to class from Monday 4th October, providing they are not showing any symptoms.
A letter from headteacher Nick Illsley was posted to the school’s website on Tuesday, saying the decision had been taken in careful consideration with Public Health England and Cornwall Council.
What does the letter say?
The letter reads: “Following an increased number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in our school and in careful consideration with Public Health England and Cornwall Council, we have taken the decision to close the school for 10 days and moving to online learning.
“This will mean that home learning will begin from tomorrow (Wednesday 22nd) via Teams.
“The school will then reopen on Monday 4th October to all students who are not displaying symptoms”.
The letter continues: “Changes to the national Department for Education guidance on 19th July 2021 have removed the general requirement on education settings to identify all close contacts of students and staff with COVID-19.
“However, education settings are still required to take necessary actions to prevent further spread of COVID infection if an outbreak occurs in their setting.
“We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Cornwall Council Public Health and 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 letter goes on to say: “If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, you should organise for your child to be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119. They should isolate until you receive the test results giving the all clear”.
The full letter. including advice for parents, can be found on Stithians C.P. School's website.
What have Cornwall's Public Health Team said?
Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall Council said: “The school has taken the difficult decision to close temporarily to ensure the safety of staff, pupils and families. We appreciate this may cause childcare issues with children being at home unexpectedly, but this decision has not been taken lightly.
“The school reacted quickly and responsibly to the confirmed cases and implemented a robust COVID action plan. Our teams will continue to work with them to provide advice and guidance and support.
“You or your child need only book a test if you develop one of the three main COVID symptoms: a new continuous cough - that is a cough that lasts for more than an hour, or three coughing sessions in 24 hours - a high temperature (this does not need to be measured but feeling hot on the chest or back) or a change to or loss of taste or smell".
You can book a test online on the gov.uk website, or if you don’t have access to the internet, please call 119.