160 Covid cases linked to a school in Long Eaton

More than 150 people with a direct link to Wilsthorpe Academy have tested positive for the virus and authorities say a further 17 cases have been confirmed at other schools in the area.

The outbreak has propelled Erewash in Derbyshire to the highest rate of Covid cases in the seven days to May 7th, with 201.1 cases per 100,000 people. A concentration of almost three times the second highest region, which is Bolton with 74.4 per 100,000.

Local health officials have praised members of the community for their response after more than 2,000 people turned out to get a PCR test after news of cases at the school.

Local residents and businesses have been asked to stick to social distancing and other measures alongside regular testing in the run-up to the relaxing of current restrictions next week.

Derbyshire's Director for Public Health Dean Wallace said: “The significant outbreak of COVID-19 at Wilsthorpe Academy continues to affect case numbers in the area. As COVID rates across Derbyshire have been relatively low, any increase in numbers can have a large impact on the figures for that area.

“We’re doing everything we can to quickly follow up new positive cases and their close contacts and advise them of the importance of self-isolating to ensure it does not become sustained community transmission.

“I understand this will cause concern, but I’d like to reassure residents that we continue to work closely with the school and Public Health England to minimise the spread.

“I’d also like to thank the local community for their support with more than 2,000 people with a direct link to the school answering our call to get a PCR test over the past four days.

“There is no evidence at present to suggest this is a new variant or variant of concern, although we continue to monitor the situation closely. We are continuing to investigate the potential causes of this outbreak and we’re asking everyone in the community to get tested regularly as 1 in 3 people who have the virus do not have symptoms and could be spreading it unknowingly.”

A spokesperson for the school said: “Following the temporary closure of the school, we are pleased to announce that we are able to reopen the school on a phased basis this week. We will be inviting years 10, 11, 12, and 13 back from Tuesday 11th, and welcoming years 7 and 8 on Thursday 13th and year 9 on Friday 14th."

“In addition to this cautious approach, we will also be taking additional social distancing measures to support the safe return of our students and staff, including increasing supervision of handwashing and increasing our capacity for outdoor catering, amongst other important measures.

"As a school, we are committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of our pupils, staff and the wider school community and look forward to safely welcoming our pupils back this week."