Coronavirus: Second school in Dorset closed due to staff member testing positive

Yewstock School in Sturminster Newton has also been closed as a precaution after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

The school is being deep cleaned before pupils return.

Public Health Dorset and Dorset Council are working with the school to make sure all necessary measures are in place.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils said:

“The school has closed as a precautionary measure for a deep clean and pupils will be returning to school slightly later than planned.

“All staff who are deemed to have been close contacts of the confirmed case have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14-days. Contacts of the confirmed case should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 14-days.

“It's important we all follow the latest guidance by staying 2 metres apart from others, washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and if you have any COVID symptoms self-isolate straight away and book a test.”

PUPIL TESTS POSITIVE AT ANOTHER DORSET SCHOOL

A student at Sherborne's Gryphon School has tested positive for Covid-19.

They've been sent home, while all their close contacts have also been asked to self isolate for 14 days.

In a statement, Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils, said:

“We are aware of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a pupil at The Gryphon School. The school are working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset Council and Public Health England South West to ensure that all necessary measures are being met.

“All close contacts of the pupil have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14-days. Contacts of the confirmed case should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 14-days.”