HEALTH bosses say that it is safe for Ludlow School to remain open after a student tested positive for Covid-19.

The pupil is in year seven and all pupils in that year have been sent home to self-isolate for two weeks.

“We want to reassure students and parents and carers that the risk of infection is very low,” said Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s Director of Public Health.

“Ludlow Church of England School has taken all the necessary precautions to limit the spread of the virus.

“To date, there has only been one confirmed case. Anyone who is symptomatic will be offered immediate testing. Contact tracing is underway and if anyone is identified as a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, a contact advisor from Test, Trace will be in touch with appropriate advice.

“We will continue to work in partnership with Public Health England and Ludlow School as we continue to manage this evolving situation.”

“Protecting the health of our population remains a priority, and at this time we would also like to remind everyone to follow social distancing advice to reduce their social interaction with other people.

“Good hand hygiene remains the best protection against the virus, including washing your hands more regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

“If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, for example, if you have been contacted as part of the test and trace programme, you should stay at home – this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.”

Paula Hearle, headteacher at the school, said that she appreciated that the incident would cause concern and disruption.

“We are following the advice from Shropshire's Council’s Public Health team and Public Health England, to put in place the measures needed to minimise the spread of the virus,” said Ms Hearle.

“I appreciate this will be hugely disruptive to parents and pupils, but we need to minimise the risk of further infection.

“There’s robust health and safety measures in place, enhanced cleaning regimes and contact tracing in place since the first case was identified to help reduce any risk of spread.

"The school remains open for all other year groups and your child should continue to attend if they remain well."