Third Sunderland school confirms Covid-19 case during first week back

A number of pupils are believed to be isolating at home after a confirmed case of Covid-19 was recorded at Hasting Hill Academy.

It is the third school to be affected by the virus after schools fully reopened to all primary and secondary schools on Monday, March 8.

Both Academy 360 and Sandhill View Academy have also confirmed students are self-isolating in line with guidance following a confirmed case.

Details about how many students and staff members to have been affected by the positive case have not been confirmed by the school.

Natalie Fountain, executive headteacher at Hasting Hill Academy, said: "We are able to confirm that there has been one positive Covid-19 case at Hasting Hill Academy.

"Upon notification the academy acted very swiftly to notify the year group affected and then the wider school community.

"In line with government guidance, the school has a robust risk assessment to manage Covid-19.

"All appropriate steps have been taken in line with the advice received from Public Health and the Department for Education.

"Our academies will continue to adhere to the latest guidance in handling any such situations, this includes ensuring remote learning is in place for those pupils affected by any 'bubble closure'.

"The priority will always be the safety of our pupils, staff and the community.”

Guidelines state that people who have been told to self-isolate must do so for 10 days before they return to work, school or visit public places.

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