210 students in a Year 7 bubble at Ralph Allen School in Bath have been told to self-isolate for 14 days, following advice from Public Health England after a single confirmed case.
Public Health England South West and Bath & North East Somerset Council are supporting the school following a single confirmed case of COVID-19 at the school.
The school is following the existing guidance for non-clinical settings advice, including providing staff and pupils with guidance on social distancing and hygiene to limit spread.
The school is open for pupils in other year groups and the Year 7 students will return on Monday 5th October.
Dr Bruce Laurence, Director for Public Health at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We are working with the school and PHE to manage the situation in the safest way possible for the pupils, staff and wider community.
“While the rate of infection in our area remains low, it is increasing and we collectively must take all the right steps to break the chain of transmission to slow down the spread of Covid-19.
“Of course, one of the most important reasons to limit any increase in cases is so that we can keep our children in school as much as possible and avoid further disruption to their education.”
Headteacher Andy Greenhough added: “Yesterday was our first confirmed case of Covid-19 within the student body. I am afraid cases around the country are inevitable and all schools are continuing to manage the guidelines within their own schools.
“The Year 7s have made an excellent start but will now have to be isolated until Monday 5 October. Their lessons will now be virtual, and they will be accessing their full timetable through Microsoft Teams.
“We have all learned a lot from lockdown and it is fantastic that their learning can continue during this period of isolation. Public Health England and Bath and North East Somerset Council were very supportive and were happy with the systems we have in place to keep students safe and in their own bubbles.
“Our students have been fantastic in adopting the new regimes helping the school continue to deliver their excellent education.
“This means that all other students can continue in school in the security that contact has only been within one-year group.”
Mike Wade, Deputy Director of Health Protection at Public Health England South West, said: “PHE South West is working closely with the school to provide public health advice to stop the virus spreading. Everyone should be following the hands, face, space advice.
“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and colleagues by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
“The school has been provided with information including advice on infection prevention control and what to do if they need additional support.”
