Pupils in Somerset and Dorset to self-isolate after students tests positive for Covid-19
Almost 60 students at Churchill Academy and Sixth Form in North Somerset are now self-isolating after a student tested positive for coronavirus.
The move, which is a precautionary measure according to the council, will see 57 students who are all part of the same teaching bubble stay at home for two weeks.
Deep cleaning has been undertaken at the school to ensure there is no risk of infection transfer on surfaces.
The Director of Public Health Matt Lenny at North Somerset Council said: "We have been working closely with the school and Public Health England to ensure that effective infection control measures are in place and are confident that the school has acted promptly and efficiently to ensure no onward spread of infection.
"As the number of cases in North Somerset, like other parts of the country, begins to rise we all need to do our bit to halt the spread of the virus.
"Everyone, regardless of their age or state of health, must continue to practice good hand hygiene, maintain social distancing of 2m wherever possible and self-isolate and book a test if they experience any of the symptoms of the virus."
Elsewhere pupils and staff at a school in Sherbourne will also self-isolate after a student tested positive for coronavirus.
Families are being urged to be 'vigilant' following the case at Gryphon School, which was reported just two days into the new term.
A school spokesperson said: "We need to inform you that a Year 13 student has today tested positive for Covid-19."
"As students have only been at school for two days, and in this case in small Sixth Form classes, we have been able to identify those students and staff who have been in close contact with the individual.
"That contact group have been advised to self-isolate whilst we await further advice from Public Health England and will be contacted directly regarding testing.
"If you have not been contacted you do not need to be concerned at this time."
The spokesperson said 'rigorous measures' are in place to protect students, although they did not specify what they were.
"We also want to remind everyone to remain vigilant, and if any student has symptoms please do not come in to school and ensure you follow government guidance on self-isolating and testing," said the spokesperson.