TWO pupils at a Winchester primary school are being tested for the coronavirus as a student at a local secondary school is reported to have tested positive.

Western Primary School headteacher Peter Burbridge alerted parents in a letter yesterday.

Meanwhile a pupil at Perins secondary school in Alresford has tested positive and the school is to undergo a 'deep clean'.

Mr Burbridge's letter states: "On advice given, I am writing to inform you that two members of the school community are being tested for Coronavirus Covid-19. I have been in contact with Public Health England – (Hampshire/Isle of Wight) who have stated that if these students are being tested as possible cases there is no indication for school closure or any other measures for staff or children.

"Public Health guidance for educational settings states that no restrictions or special control measures are required while laboratory test results for COVID-19 are awaited. There is no need to close the setting or send other learners or staff home. As a precautionary measure, the NHS are currently testing a very large number of people, the vast majority of whom test negative. Therefore, until the outcome of test results is known, there is no additional action that we need to take apart from cleaning specific areas.

"Additionally, it has come to my attention that one or two children have been coming into school with masks to wear during the day – this has alarmed some other pupils as well as the individuals themselves not being keen to wear them and be different to everyone else. Public Health England advice is that whilst face masks play a very important role in clinical settings, such as hospitals there is very little evidence of widespread benefit from their use outside of these clinical settings.

"I hope this helps to keep everyone informed and up to date with developments. Thank you for your continued support."

At Perins parents have been told that the pupil has not been in school since reporting the symptoms. Public Health England have traced people who have been in close contact during the infectious period.

The letters states: "I understand that parents may be worried, but following advice from the specialists at PHE, I am assured by the experts that there is no need for our school to take any action at this time, and lessons and other activities will continue as normal."

Last week two pupils at Oliver's Battery Primary were put into isolation after travelling in a taxi that also carried a person with a confirmed diagnosis.