Dozens more children self-isolating after another Covid case at South Yorkshire school

Athersley South Primary School has sent home 57 children and four members of staff after a child in a ‘bubble’ at the school tested positive for the virus last weekend.

Councillor Margaret Bruff, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services at Barnsley Council, said: “The school was advised that a child had tested positive for Covid-19 over the weekend.

“The school acted quickly and in order to ensure the safety of pupils and staff and made the decision to close the child’s bubble from Monday, September 7 – parents, carers and staff were notified immediately and will be kept updated.

“In accordance with Government guidance, the 57 children and 4 staff in the impacted bubble will not return to school until Thursday, September 17 – 14 days after the child first showed signs of having the virus.

“We know that this will have caused difficulties for some parents and carers, and we would like to thank them for their understanding of the situation.

“We urge parents and carers to follow the advice given to them by official sources such as schools, the council and Public Health England.

“It’s important that if either a child or member of staff is feeling unwell, that they stay at home and let the school know as soon as possible. If they have symptoms of Covid-19, they need to self-isolate immediately and get tested. This also applies if any members of the household is unwell.”

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There have also been confirmed Covid cases in Sheffield at Birkdale School, Chaucer School, Hillsborough Primary School, Abbeyfield Primary School and King Edward VII School.

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