A SCHOOL in Herefordshire took emergency action for 10 days after more than 10 percent of students and staff in an annual group tested positive for Covid-19.
Wigmore High School in north Herefordshire said there had been an increase in Covid cases, as in many schools in Herefordshire and the UK
On Monday it was said that the education ministry’s threshold had been reached so that schools could take additional measures.
The threshold is defined as “10 percent of children, schoolchildren, students or employees who are likely to have a tight test for Covid-19 within 10 days,” said deputy principal Sarah Steer.
She said in a letter to parents that the threshold had been reached in the seventh year, in addition to a number of positive cases in other cohorts and employees.
As a result, she said the school would take “emergency measures” for 10 days starting Tuesday.
These measures include compulsory face covering in common areas and for seventh grade in class.
She said that on days when they exercise, students should go to school dressed in an indoor sports kit so as not to use the locker rooms.
Clubs, events and trips were suspended for the duration of the additional measures, the students would be divided into grades during the breaks and lunch breaks.
“As cases increase across the country we need to remain vigilant and the current guidelines require us to act in that way,” she said.
“Please help us ensure that your child continues to perform lateral flow tests at home twice a week to ensure the safety of our school community.
“All students are regularly supplied with test kits, and more are available from the school office in case your child needs additional tests.
“I have to reiterate that if you or your family have Covid-19 symptoms, the symptomatic people should book a PCR test as soon as possible. We would also strongly recommend that close contacts book a PCR test as well . ”
John Kyrle High School in Ross-on-Wye was the newest school to confirm Covid cases on Tuesday.
Almeley Primary School and Kingstone High School are both closed due to the number of Covid cases found, and Hereford Academy, The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School, Marlbrook Primary School, Sutton Primary Academy, Weobley High School and Holmer CE Academy are among the schools that confirm cases.