Precautionary COVID-19 measures taken at Malmesbury Church of England Primary School

Malmesbury CE Primary School is taking precautionary measures after two members of staff tested positive for COVID-19.

While all preventative and proper bubble measures have been followed, the school has, with advice from Wiltshire Council’s Public Health Team, asked a total of forty pupils and four members of staff to isolate for 14 days, with the last day of isolation being 29th October. This period will fall within the half term holiday.  The self-isolation is precautionary, to minimise any risk to others.

Steve Heal, Head Teacher at Malmesbury Primary School, said: “This situation has developed over the past few days, following the end of term last Friday.  All parents have been informed of the situation at the school, and we are very grateful for their understanding.  It is most unfortunate that this will affect the holiday plans of a number of families over the coming two weeks.  However, the safety of our school community is our top priority.  We will continue to work with Wiltshire Council’s Public Health Team so this situation is managed closely and look forward to welcoming pupils back to school on the 2nd November.”

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, said: “This precautionary action is very important so we can keep the risk of any transmission within the school community as low as possible. We will continue to support the school so their high standard of COVID-19 measures are maintained.

“It is a legal requirement that anyone asked to self-isolate should follow the government information on this and stay at home. If they don’t have symptoms they do not need to get a test. However, if a member of their household has symptoms and takes a test then they should self-isolate.

“We ask that people regularly wash hands, maintain social distancing and wear face coverings where appropriate – this is the best way to keep you and everyone safe as much as possible.”

 

The Department for Education has produced information for parents which includes advice following a case of Covid-19 in their school

More information on self-isolation is available here.

  • PHE and the NHS are well prepared to deal with coronavirus. Our priority is to safeguard local communities which sometimes involves taking preventative measures to help reduce the risk of further cases.
  • We cannot comment further on individual cases due to patient confidentiality.
  • For more information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • PHE gov.uk/coronavirus
  • NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/