Outbreak of Covid 19 at Bedworth School

Pupils and staff at The Canons CE Primary School in Bedworth have tested positive for Covid 19.

Public Health England (PHE) Midlands confirmed that it is working with the school, Warwickshire County Council and local NHS colleagues following confirmation of a small number of cases.

Dr Angela Cartwright, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with PHE Midlands, said: “We are working closely with the school, local authority and NHS partners to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The school has been advised to continue to follow national guidance and ensure that anyone with symptoms self-isolates for 7 days, and their household members isolate for 14 days. Staff and children in the same teaching bubble of a confirmed case have also been asked to self-isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms, to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus. Testing is being organised and if anyone tests positive for the virus, they are to inform the school, which will then notify the public health professionals.

“On the advice of PHE, the school organised a deep clean of the rooms and communal areas used by this group. The school has also delayed plans for opening to wider year groups; with Year 1 and Year 6 now scheduled to come back Monday 29 June, while Reception is now due to return on Monday 6 July.

“It is important to remember that one of the most effective ways of preventing COVID-19 from spreading is frequent and thorough hand washing. Good hygiene practices such as catching coughs and sneezes in disposable tissues, should be encouraged, as should cleaning frequently touched surfaces regularly and minimising contact with other people as far as possible.

“If anyone does develop symptoms, which include a new continuous cough, high temperature, or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate straight away.”

Michaela Fallon, Headteacher at Canon Evans CofE Primary School, said: “The health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff are of the utmost importance, so we have been working closely with the health professionals from Public Health England, Warwickshire County Council and the local NHS to take advice on the best way to protect members of our school community and reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.

“We have been adhering closely to the NHS national guidance and all advice given to us by the health professionals, while keeping parents informed on issues concerning health and school opening.”

It comes as experts are continuing to investigate a significant increase in the number of Covid cases being treated at the George Eliot hospital in Nuneaton.