New coronavirus cases at Weymouth and Portland schools

The schools involved – Holy Trinity Primary School, Wey Valley Academy, Radipole Primary School in Weymouth, and St George's Primary School on Portland – have not said whether it is staff or students affected. The schools remain open.

Holy Trinity, based on Cross Road, Weymouth, has said two people within the school have Covid-19 and are currently self-isolating.

Headteacher Fiona Daykin wrote to parents and carers confirming the news on Monday (October 19). She added a 'small number of children' who had been in close contact with the individuals have been told to self-isolate. 

In a letter, she said: "We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closing with Public Health England.

"This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus will be a mild illness. 

Outside St George's School. Picture: Finnbarr Webster

"The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 14 days.

"The school remains open and our child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well." 

Wey Valley Academy, based on Dorchester Road, Weymouth, told parents and carers on Tuesday that there has been a coronavirus case within the school. 
Children who have come into close contact with the affected person have been told to self-isolate. 

Rob Russell, principal of Wey Valley Academy said: "We are working closely with Public Health colleagues and the council to ensure all measures are being met. All the necessary agencies have been informed of this case."

St George’s Primary School, based on Clarence Road in Portland, has also confirmed a person within the school has Covid-19. 

Headteacher Josephine Luxon said that the person with symptoms was last in school on Monday, October 12.

Parents of children who need to self-isolate have been written to and must self-isolate until Tuesday, October 27.

The school remains open during this time as the infected person self-isolates. 
Mrs Luxon said in a letter: "We have been advised by that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school/setting.

Outside Radipole Primary School

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.

"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus will be a mild illness.

"The person with symptoms was last in school on October 12.

"The school will remain open during this period. The school has been working closely with our team at Public Health England South West and Dorset Council to ensure high standards of hygiene and social distancing are maintained and ensuring all the necessary measures are in place."

Another case has also been confirmed at Radipole Primary School, Weymouth after schoolchildren were asked to self-isolate following previously confirmed cases.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils said the schools are 'working closely' with Public Health Dorset, Dorset Council and Public Health England South West to ensure that all necessary measures are being met.

He added: "All close contacts of the confirmed case have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14-days. Contacts of the confirmed case should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms.

"Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 14-days."

All of the letters from the schools state that if a child develops symptoms of Covid-19, he or she must be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119. The household should also isolate until they receive the test results giving the all-clear.