A CONFIRMED case of coronavirus at a Hampshire school means other children will have to self-isolate within weeks of schools reopening.

Cadland Primary School sent an email to parents after a pupil tested positive for Covid-19 at the beginning of the week.

Children that are part of the ‘bubble group’ that the infected pupil was in have been instructed to self-isolate for 14 days.

The bubble group at the site has now been closed, but is due to reopen on Friday June 26.

Headteacher James Nutbeam said: “I confirm that one of our pupils has tested positive for Coronavirus, although had shown no symptoms when at school – the experts at Public Health England assure us that this greatly reduces the risk to others in the school.

Daily Echo:

“I have been pleased to hear from the parents that they and their child remain well. Nonetheless, we simply will not take any chances when it comes to the safety of our children and staff – we are following Public Health England advice in having asked all the other members of the affected child’s bubble to self-isolate for 14 days as a precautionary measure.

“In line with national Government guidance, children and staff are organised in ‘bubbles’ to avoid any cross contamination, should a child or member of staff show symptoms of Covid-19.

“Additionally, we have a comprehensive, detailed risk-assessment in place to ensure that we remain as safe as possible at all times. I’m also really pleased that the parents of children from the other bubble groups have retained their confidence in our school and keep sending their children in – our attendance remains high.

“We look forward to welcoming back the children and staff from the bubble who are currently at home in isolation.”

The school had been in talks with health bosses before warning parents, in a bid to minimise any risks.

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Dr Anand Fernandes, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health England South East, said: “We are working closely with the school, local authority and NHS partners to provide public health advice and help stop the spread of the virus.

“The school has been advised to follow national guidance and ensure that anyone with symptoms self-isolates for 7 days, and their household members isolate for 14 days. Staff and children in the same ‘bubble’ of a confirmed case are asked to self-isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms, to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.”