Health experts give advice after school near Battle confirms case of Covid-19

Specialists from Public Health England (PHE) South East are liaising with Robertsbridge Community College following the single case.

The school wrote to parents on Tuesday (July 7), informing them of the news.

A spokesman for PHE said following a risk assessment, close contacts at the school have been identified and advised to self-isolate at home, have been informed of signs and symptoms and how to obtain a test should they become symptomatic.

Dr Bernadette Purcell, consultant in health protection for Public Health England South East, said: “We are working closely with the school, East Sussex County Council and NHS partners to provide public health advice and help stop the spread of the virus.

“The school has been advised to follow national guidance and ensure that anyone who develops symptoms self-isolates for seven days and gets tested for Covid-19, and all their household members isolate for 14 days.

“Close contacts of a confirmed case are asked to self-isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms, to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.

“Schools have been asked to take certain measures to help reduce the spread of the virus, including staff and pupils washing their hands more often than usual for 20 seconds with soap and water, coughing and sneezing into tissues and promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach, cleaning frequently touched surfaces regularly and minimising contact with other people as far as possible.”

PHE said the school has been advised on appropriate public health measures to ensure it is safe for other pupils and staff to attend as normal.

It added if anyone does develop symptoms, which include a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate straight away and arrange a Covid-19 test by clicking here.

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School near Battle confirms case of Covid-19.