Shrewsbury primary school closed after five confirmed Covid cases
A primary school in Shrewsbury will be closed until next Tuesday after five confirmed cases of coronavirus.
The headteacher at Radbrook Primary School in Shrewsbury decided to close the entire school until Tuesday, October 6, following confirmation of five cases of Covid-19.
The school said it has undertaken all Covid-19 secure measures in line with both Government and Shropshire Council guidelines, including isolating all possible school 'bubble' contacts.
As a precaution, pupils and staff members who were close contacts have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
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Katie Linnel, headteacher at Radbrook Primary School, said: “We are following the advice from Shropshire's Council’s Public Health team and Public Health England, to put in place the measures needed to minimise the spread of the virus.
"We have implemented robust health and safety measures, and contact tracing has been in place since the first case was identified to help reduce any risk of spread. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and communicate clearly with parents.”
The Health Protection Team at Public Heath England has advised the school to clean the premises thoroughly; especially touch points like door handles, communal areas like toilets and dining hall, and anywhere else the individuals spent time, to reduce risk of further infection.
Radbrook Primary School has informed parents, guardians, carers and staff of the situation and measures being taken to make the school Covid-19 safe.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s Director of Public Health said: “We want to reassure students and parents and carers that the risk of infection is very low. Radbrook Primary School has taken all the necessary precautions to limit the spread of the virus.
Evolving
“Anyone who is symptomatic will be offered immediate testing. Contact tracing is underway and if anyone is identified as a contact of a confirmed case of Covid-19, a contact advisor from Test and Trace will be in touch with appropriate advice.
“We will continue to work in partnership with Public Health England and Radbrook School as we continue to manage this evolving situation.
“Protecting the health of our population remains a priority, and at this time we would also like to remind everyone to follow social distancing advice to reduce their social interaction with other people.
“Good hand hygiene remains the best protection against the virus, including washing your hands more regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
“If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, for example if you have been contacted by Test and Trace, you should stay at home – this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.”
If you have any queries or concerns, call Shropshire Council’s Education Line on 0345 678 9008. The support line is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Press 5 for back to school enquiries.
