Health chief issues update on future of Sheffield schools as coronavirus cases rise

Eight schools in Sheffield, including primary, secondary and Sixth Form learning providers, have confirmed positive cases among staff and students since the start of term just last week. At least another five city schools are thought to have seen positive Covid-19 cases in recent days, with five further cases also confirmed at schools in Barnsley and Rotherham.

"We’re not too far away from total breakdown and school life crashing to a halt once more" says Sheffield teacher

On Wednesday (9 September), Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis said every local authority in South Yorkshire has seen their infection rate at least double in the past week amid a rise of cases across the UK.

Greg Fell, director of Public Health Sheffield, said: "We know that nationally there has been an increase in the numbers of young people with Covid-19 and this is understandably having an impact on schools across the country.

"Our schools here in Sheffield are working to national guidelines and the standard procedures agreed between them, the council and Public Health England. We are continuing to work with all education providers across the city to provide advice and support at this time.”

Sheffield secondary school Meadowhead announced they are now “insisting” all staff and students wear masks in corridors and indoor communal areas from Thursday due to a rise in cases in other schools.

Mr Jarvis warned there is a “very real risk” South Yorkshire could see “a sustained rise in infections, which would put at risk the gains we’ve made.” He added: “We all urgently need to work together to slow down the virus and ensure we do not see further local lockdown restrictions.”

Mr Fell said: "Our focus continues to be to keep people safe, protect the most vulnerable and reopen the city as and when it has been safe to do so."

The UK reported another 2,659 coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the fourth day running of more than 2,000 reported cases. New confirmed positive cases in the last seven days have been more prevalent among young people.