Primary school closed and 75 children tested after staff struck down with Covid-19

Joseph Locke Primary School in Barnsley closed on Thursday (June 18) after three staff members tested positive tested positive for the deadly bug, prompting the headteacher to seek advice from Public Health England.

Barnsley Council have since offered coronavirus tests to 75 children and 67 members of staff who have attended the school over the past two weeks.

The authority say testing ‘is now complete’ after a mobile unit visited the site.

Tests were also delivered to the homes of children who had not attended since June 15 to ‘avoid unnecessary journeys’.

Councillor Margaret Bruff, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services at Barnsley Council, said she did not know when the school would reopen.

She said: “Testing is now complete and has been offered to around 140 children and staff members at Joseph Locke Primary School.

“Public Health England will analyse all tests results, as soon as they all become available.

“Those tested will be contacted directly with their results, as is now standard practice, any positive cases will be followed up by NHS Test and Trace, with any close contacts of cases informed and advised to self- isolate.

“The school, supported by the council and colleagues in Public Health England will analyse all test results in respect of the affected children and staff who have been working in the school during this period, ensuring that all appropriate procedures and measures, risk assessments and safeguards are in place, prior to the school reopening.”

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