Pupil at South Yorkshire school self-isolating after parent contracts coronavirus

In a letter sent to parents which has been seen by The Star, Monkwood Primary School in Rawmarsh, Rotherham confirmed the parent of a pupil at the school contracted the COVID-19 virus “as a result of being in contact with a confirmed case elsewhere.”

It is believed to be the first confirmed case of a patient from South Yorkshire.

The letter said: “The person did the right thing in phoning NHS 111 and was tested for the virus as a result of being in contact with a confirmed case elsewhere.

“The rest of the family have already been tested and at this stage the results are negative.

“As a precautionary measure, the family are going to stay at home (self-isolate) for the next 14 days.

The school confirmed any families that have been in contact with the family have been notified and appropriate action has been taken. The letter stated: “Public Health England have confirmed that they are low risk.”

It read: “This is understandably a very worrying time, in particular for the parents/students who have had contact with the family.

“We have been in regular contact with Public Health England, they are advising schools to remain open and their most up-to-date advice is to continue business as normal.”

The Star has contacted Public Health England and Rotherham Council for comment.

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