Southmoor Academy asks students to self-isolate due to case of covid

Southmoor Academy sent a letter home to some students informing them that they had ‘been in close contact with the affected case’ and they should ‘stay at home’ and self isolate for 14 days.

The letter stated that those students should remain at home until November 27 to prevent the spread of the virus and should return to school if the student is well at the end of the isolation period.

This is the second time this term the Sixth Form has been affected with a coronavirus case after previously reporting a case in October.

The school made face coverings compulsory when moving around the school in September when schools reopened to all pupils after months of lockdown closures.

A Sunderland City Council spokesperson said: “The City Council, Together for Children and public health teams are supporting schools, academies and colleges across the city during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“In the instance of a pupil or staff member testing positive for coronavirus, schools are able to access support through the Sunderland Public Health Team and others for guidance around the next steps.

“Southmoor Academy continues to work closely with public health and in line with national guidance. Please follow the latest guidance for staying safe.”

There are currently 29 schools in Sunderland which have been affected by coronavirus outbreaks and staff isolating.

Current guidance is if people are told to isolate they should not go to work, school or public places, not use public transport or use taxis, not have visitors in your home and not go outside of your home or garden to exercise.

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