Sunderland secondary school pupils self-isolating after confirmed case of coronavirus

Castle View Enterprise Academy principal Janet Bridges has written to parents, informing them of the situation.

The school is still open but several children have been told to stay at home for two weeks.

The Academy is the fourth secondary school in the area to confirm a case this week after Seaham High School, the Venerable Bede C of E Academy and Washington Academy all reported cases.

The school’s principal said Public Health England had contacted them about the case.

In a letter to parents she said: “We know that you may find this concerning but are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

"The small number of children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case will have received an individual letter and will be staying at home for 14 days.

“The school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well.”

The letter says that any child who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared.

All other household or support bubble members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days, even if they remain well.

The latest figures show Sunderland’s weekly infection rate has risen from 98.3 cases per 100,000 people during the week ending September 11 to 101.2 cases by September 18.

The rise means that Sunderland has the 21st highest rolling seven-day average out of 343 English authorities.

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