Another Harrogate school confirms positive coronavirus case

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The student got the test results over the weekend of September 12, with the school then sending home the 'bubble' which had been in close contact with them on Monday, September 14.

Those with no symptoms are set to return to school next Monday, September 28. The rest of the school has been open as normal.

Bilton Grange is the latest school in the district to confirm a positive case of Covid-19.

Last week, St John Fisher Catholic High School confirmed two of its pupils had tested positive for Covid-19 and were at home isolating.

Those who had been in close contact with them were also told to self-isolate for 14 days and to get tested if they began to display symptoms.

Headteacher Mr Mort said: “We can confirm that we have two confirmed isolated cases of students with Covid-19 at St John Fisher Catholic High School. We have taken swift action, in line with the guidance from Public Health England, including sending out a letter to all of our parents/carers.

“We have acted upon definitive advice from the Local Health Protection Team to identify who - students and staff - should be in the close contact group. Due to the year group bubble arrangement and fixed seating plans which we have in place, we have been able to identify and contact a small number of students who have commenced a self-isolation period of 14 days.

“This has meant that we have not needed to close a full class or year group bubble.”

The school remains open and both students and staff can continue to attend as normal, as long as they, and anyone in their household, are not displaying any Covid-19 symptoms, or are awaiting a test result.

Mr Mort added: “We are working with Public Health England and following all guidance necessary to ensure the school environment is as safe as possible.

“We wish our students a swift recovery and look forward to welcoming them back to the school soon.”

It comes after a coronavirus case was confirmed at Harrogate Grammar School earlier that week, with 40 students sent home.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, North Yorkshire County Council’s director of public health, said: “We expect from time to time there will be positive cases affecting teachers, parents or pupils. This may be reflective of the background increase in cases across North Yorkshire. We will work with each school individually to determine the best approach to take depending on the circumstances.

Here are the latest coronavirus figures for every area of the Harrogate district

“If you haven’t been contacted by the school, then your child is not a contact of the person who has tested positive and can continue attending school as normal. Please only get a test if you have symptoms or are instructed to by contact tracers.”