South Yorkshire school confirms outbreak of three Covid-19 cases in three days as pupils are sent home

Brinsworth Academy in Rotherham wrote to parents on Monday, September 21 telling them that a third student, a Year 7 pupil, had tested positive for the virus and ‘a small number of students’ who had been in contact with confirmed case would have to self isolate at home for 14 days.

The school still remains open to students from all other year groups and pupils who have not come into contact with a direct case.

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Last week the school confirmed two other cases when Year 8 and Year 11 students both tested positive.

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In the latest letter seen by The Star, Principal Mr Raynor said: “We have been made aware of a Year 7 student who has tested positive for Covid-19.

“We have, therefore, followed government guidance and been in detailed discussion with the relevant expert bodies.

“Following these detailed discussions with Public Health England and the Local Authority regarding this positive test, we have taken steps to ensure that the small number of students who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case will be staying at home for 14 days from the date of last contact.

“In light of the details of this case, we have been informed that the school is not deemed to be the point of transmission of the virus, but that this has occurred elsewhere in the home or community.

“We have been asked to remind you that, for most people, coronavirus (Covid-19) will be a mild illness.

"Brinsworth Academy remains open to students from all year groups if they remain well and are not needing to self-isolate.”

The Government guidance on how schools should manage Covid-19 outbreaks among students states that it must ensure that the person who has the confirmed case self-isolates for a period of 10 days.

Schools then consult with the Government’s coronavirus advice service to determine what should be done, such as closing a ‘bubble’ within the school if necessary.

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