Staff member at primary school in Whaley Bridge self-isolates with ‘persistent cough’

In a statement to parents acting headteacher Mike Lynch wrote how the affected staff member had been supervising reception children during the lunchtime period.

He said the member of staff - whose symptoms began last night (Thursday) - had booked a Covid-19 test and would now be self-isolating in-line with Public Health England guidance.

Adding that the school had ‘contingencies in place to deal with these situations’ Mr Lynch said the school would now be following Government guidelines in place to deal with possible coronavirus cases.

He added: “We will update you with further information as and when it becomes available.”

Speaking about the steps the school would be taking the acting head including the following Government guidance in his statement:

If anyone in the school becomes unwell with a new and persistent cough or a high temperature or has a loss of or change in their normal sense of taste or smell they are sent home and advised to self-isolate for at least 10 days and arrange to have a test to see if they have coronavirus If someone tests negative – and if they feel well and no longer have symptoms similar to coronavirus they can stop self-isolating. They could still have another virus such as a cold or flu – in which case it is still best to avoid contact with other people until they are better. Other members of their household can stop self-isolating

Any members of staff who have helped someone with symptoms and any pupils who have been in close contact with them do not need to go home to self-isolate unless:

They develop symptoms themselves (in which case they should arrange a test). The symptomatic person subsequently tests positive. They have been requested to do so by NHS Test and Trace.

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