A SOUTHAMPTON school has partly closed following a confirmed case of Covid-19.

More than 200 pupils at St Monica Primary School in Bay Road, Sholing have been sent home and told to self-solated for two weeks.

Lin Marshall, executive principal, said: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a single confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school. 

"We have taken prompt action to put in place measures needed to minimise the spread of the virus.

"Following advice from Public Health England and our own risk assessment, we have informed the parents and carers of 207 pupils in three year groups that their child must be kept home and to isolate for two weeks as a precautionary measure as they are deemed to have been in close contact with the confirmed case. 

"We will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with Public Health England and the council, and will keep our school community updated.

"We would like to reassure the school community that all guidance is being followed and pupils in other classes should continue to attend school, unless they have symptoms of coronavirus in which case parents and carers should organise for their child to be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119." 

The partial closure of the school was announced on social media.

Southampton Schools tweeted: "Closure Notice: St Monica Primary School - partial closure on 02/10/2020 due to confirmed case of Covid-19."

No further details have been released. It is not known if the person who tested positive is a pupil or a member of staff.