By Second local school closes after confirmed Covid-19 case
A second school in the local area has been forced to close following a confirmed case of Covid-19.
This comes after Stallingborough CE Primary School also closed after a pupil contracted coronavirus.
St James’ School on Bargate will be closed until at least Monday as a precaution after a staff member’s relative was diagnosed with Covid-19.
The employee had been working with children attending the school, although they had not been on site over the past 8 days.
Until the employee receives a negative test result, the school is expected to remain shut.
Whether or not the children who have been in close contact with the member of staff will need to be tested has not been stated.
The school have said that they are following government guidance, and that these precautions are not cause for concern.
St James’ had been open for Reception, Year 1, and Year 6 from June 1.
This was extended tho those in Years 10 and 12 on June 15.
On Wednesday night, Head Teacher Richard Murray wrote to parents saying:
“Dear Parents and Guardians,
“I am afraid that in consultation with the Chair of Governors, we have taken the precautionary decision to suspend our reopening with immediate effect.
“St James’ School will be closed to all pupils and staff until Monday, June 22.
“One of our members of staff who has been working with the children attending has a confirmed case of Covid within their family.
“This staff member does not currently attend the school site each day, and last attended 7 days ago.
“They have been tested but pending the result of this test we feel prudent to close temporarily.
“Our measures of prevention, hand sanitisation and cleaning of articles on arrival, regular handwashing, enhanced cleaning regime and room fumigation have been implemented as per our Covid-19 Reopening Policy and we remain satisfied that these measures minimise the risks for all.
“The results off the test will determine our next steps, and we will communicate further as soon as this result is known to us.
“Foremost, our thoughts are with this family and we very much hope they make a swift and full recovery.
“Zoom lessons and Class Dojo work will continue as schedules.”
In an email sent to parents and guardians, St James’ stated that they would remain closed for staff and students until Monday, June 22, depending on the results and any further action which might be required.
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