Primary school shuts for deep clean after 'suspected case' of coronavirus reported in pupil

A primary school’s headteacher has called off classes after one of its pupils was reported to have fallen ill with coronavirus.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 15th Mar 2020, 12:43 BST
Updated 16th Mar 2020, 16:53 BST
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St Cuthbert’s RC Primary has confirmed it will be shut tomorrow, Monday, March 16, while the building in Mill Road, Seaham, is deep cleaned.

It comes after it was confirmed over the weekend that there are two more confirmed cases of the virus in the region, with both reported in Darlington.

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There are five in Newcastle, two in North Tyneside, two in Stockton and one in Sunderland, County Durham, Gateshead and Redcar and Cleveland.

St Cuthert's RC Primary in Seaham will be closed on Monday, March 16, while a deep clean is carried out after one of its children is reported to have suspected coronavirus. Image copyright Google Maps.St Cuthert's RC Primary in Seaham will be closed on Monday, March 16, while a deep clean is carried out after one of its children is reported to have suspected coronavirus. Image copyright Google Maps.
St Cuthert's RC Primary in Seaham will be closed on Monday, March 16, while a deep clean is carried out after one of its children is reported to have suspected coronavirus. Image copyright Google Maps.

A statement from headteacher Nicola Noble, posted on the school’s website over the weekend, said: “We have been notified that we have a suspected case of COVID19 in school.

“We take the health and safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff very seriously, and as such, we want to reassure you that we are following the guidance from Public Health England and The Department for Education.

“We will be closing school on Monday, March 16, and the school will undergo a thorough deep clean. School will reopen to pupils and staff on Tuesday, March 17.

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“The child has been absent from school since Wednesday, so it is likely that if your child develops symptoms they will have done so already or will do over the weekend.

“If your child develops a fever or a new continuous cough, please ring 111.

“For updates about our children’s work, please check the school website from tomorrow. Many thanks for your co-operation and understanding.”

The site also notes that the school has increased precautions to safeguard staff and children and is working to reduce the number of visitors, with all class assemblies cancelled.

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It has said any volunteers who call in to help with a class or go into school to read are asked to not come in for the rest of the term, with the Easter holiday due to start on Friday, April 3.

It adds: “Wherever it is possible, telephone or email the school office staff, rather than popping into the office. We will continue to make sure pupils wash hands carefully and that we monitor this carefully.

“Thank you for your support.”

Related topics:Primary schoolSeahamDarlingtonNorth TynesideNewcastle