A PUPIL from Avon Valley School (AVS) is currently in isolation as a precaution against Coronavirus.
The Year 11 pupil is a sibling of an isolating student from Rugby Free Secondary School (RFSS), where one pupil has been diagnosed with the virus.
No cases have been confirmed at AVS.
The school also told parents another pupil whose mother visited RFSS on Friday was off school.
A student who self-isolated for 14 days has tested negative, while a member of staff who stayed home for two weeks is free of symptoms and back at school.
AVS has cancelled a Year 11 parents evening scheduled for Thursday (March 12), increased the working hours of cleaning staff to focus on the continuous cleaning of hard surfaces, and is ensuring students wash their hands during science lessons.
Head teacher Alison Davies said: “The reported case at RFSS means this situation is now increasingly fast moving in our area.
“However, at present we need to remain calm and work sensibly with our students to reiterate the message about good hygiene and social distancing.”
An RFSS pupil was diagnosed with Coronavirus last weekend.
The school said the pupil had shown no symptoms after self-isolating for 14 days as a precaution, so returned to school at the end of last week – but was diagnosed after falling ill, and is currently isolating at home.
A spokesperson said Public Health England (PHE) had advised there was no need to close the school, following a risk assessment.
The school and PHE are advising those who have been in close contact with the child regarding self-isolation and what to do if symptoms develop.
The spokesperson added the school had been cleaned according to PHE guidance, and had introduced disposable hand towels, hand sanitiser in every classroom and new protocols at lunchtime.
Brenda Mullen, the CEO of the Learning Today Leading Tomorrow trust which runs the school, said: “Our duty of care to children and staff is paramount and we are assured by the fact that Miss Roberts, the acting head teacher, has followed government guidance to the letter at each stage.
“This action has minimised the risk to other children and staff in the school.
“Miss Roberts will be updating all parents/carers on a daily basis and will immediately contact parents if the PHE advice changes.”
The Trust will issue a further statement at 12pm on Wednesday March 11.
Visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus for the current national guidance on Coronavirus.
