Year 1 pupils at Northumberland primary school to self-isolate after child tests positive for Covid-19

Newsham Primary School, in Blyth, posted a statement on its official Facebook page on Sunday, September 6 confirming the news – and issuing advice to parents, staff and carers about what would happen next.

Public Health England has advised that all pupils in the school’s Year 1 class must self-isolate until Thursday, September 17, according to the statement, while family members of Year 1 pupils and staff do not need to self-isolate.

The affected child last attended school on Thursday, September 3.

In the statement, Newsham’s headteacher Mrs Armstrong said: “It goes without saying that this situation is one I'd hope we'd never have to deal with at Newsham Primary School.

"We are one of the earlier cases in the country where Covid-19 has affected a pupil and I know you will join me in sending love and best wishes to the child and family concerned.”

The statement continued to reassure families of those with underlying health conditions, or someone classed as extremely clinically vulnerable, that senior staff would be available to discuss individual circumstances and offer additional support to families who need it.

According to the latest figures from Public Health England, there have been 1,733 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Northumberland. Fourteen of these cases were announced on Sunday, September 6.

To date, 202 deaths where the patient has tested positive for Covid-19 have been recorded at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

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