Two students test positive for coronavirus at Harrogate school with more sent home to self-isolate

The pupils are currently at home and those who have been in close contact with them have also been told to self-isolate for 14 days and to get tested if they begin to display symptoms.

Headteacher Mr Mort said: "We can confirm that we have two confirmed isolated cases of students with Covid-19 at St John Fisher Catholic High School. We have taken swift action, in line with the guidance from Public Health England, including sending out a letter to all of our parents/carers.

"We have acted upon definitive advice from the Local Health Protection Team to identify who - students and staff - should be in the close contact group. Due to the year group bubble arrangement and fixed seating plans which we have in place, we have been able to identify and contact a small number of students who have commenced a self-isolation period of 14 days. This has meant that we have not needed to close a full class or year group bubble."

The school remains open and both students and staff can continue to attend as normal, as long as they, and anyone in their household, are not displaying any Covid-19 symptoms, or are awaiting a test result.

Mr Mort added: "We are working with Public Health England and following all guidance necessary to ensure the school environment is as safe as possible.

"We wish our students a swift recovery and look forward to welcoming them back to the school soon."

It comes after a coronavirus case was confirmed at Harrogate Grammar School earlier this week, with 40 students sent home to self-isolate.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, North Yorkshire County Council’s director of public health, said: “We expect from time to time there will be positive cases affecting teachers, parents or pupils. This may be reflective of the background increase in cases across North Yorkshire. We will work with each school individually to determine the best approach to take depending on the circumstances.

“If you haven’t been contacted by the school, then your child is not a contact of the person who has tested positive and can continue attending school as normal. Please only get a test if you have symptoms or are instructed to by contact tracers.”