LAST week over half a dozen Dorset schools were taking measures to protect from the coronavirus.

Students from St. Aldhelm’s Academy, Jewell Academy, Broadstone Middle School, Corfe Hills, Queen Elizabeth’s and Ballard School were self-isolating after showing symptoms of the virus.

A lot of the schools had recently returned from trips to northern Italy.

Headteacher of St. Aldhelm’s Academy, Jon Webb, confirmed that a number pupils had been sent home last week, as well as one member of staff, and were to be tested for the virus having shown symptoms.

On Tuesday, Mr Webb told parents there had been another pupil sent home to be tested.

None of the tests for the other pupils and staff came back as positive.

Two students, as well as one member of staff from Corfe Hills were self-isolating and were tested for the virus.

Headteacher Phil Keen said: “The staff member and one of the two students who were tested have been confirmed as negative for the virus.

“We are still awaiting the result for the final student who has been tested and will update parents as soon as this is received.”

A pupil from Jewell Academy and their mother decided to self-isolate and get tested for the virus last week following a trip to northern Italy.

A spokesperson for the Aspirations Academy Trust said they decided to self-isolate and be tested as a precautionary matter, and have been given the all-clear.

Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne confirmed that the two members of staff went to a category one area of Italy remain in self-isolation but are showing no symptoms.

A spokesperson for the school said: “A third member of staff who was in self-isolation after returning from a private holiday to northern Italy has returned to school after being tested negative for Covid-19.

“Two students who attended our half-term ski trip to northern Italy (outside of the lockdown areas) and had symptoms of a viral infection have also been tested negative for Covid-19.”

Ballard confirmed last week that the student they sent home has received their test results, which came back as negative.

The headteacher of Milford-on-Sea Primary School, Kate Crawford, decided to stay at home last week after returning from a trip to northern Italy.

A spokesperson for the school said: “Following her stay at home, it was decided that because Kate did not have any symptoms and in line with Public Health England advice, she could return to work this week.

“The governors and leadership team continue to carefully monitor formal advice and keep parents up to date with any developments impacting the school.”

Three students from Broadstone Middle School were also self-isolating as a “precautionary measure”.

When asked for an update, the school had no further comment.

On Monday, The Blandford School became the latest to take precautionary measures.

A pupil was sent home to self-isolate and be tested for the virus after the combination of feeling unwell and a family member returning from northern Italy.