AN NHS Trust has apologised after it wrongly said a school pupil had tested positive for coronavirus.

Whitecross Hereford High School said yesterday (Wednesday) that a Year 9 pupil had tested positive for Covid-19, leading to 30 other people being told to self-isolate.

But now, the school in Three Elms Road said the test actually showed the pupil was negative.

Headteacher Tim Knapp said: "This afternoon I was informed that a Year 9 student who tested positive for coronavirus had in fact tested negative.

"I have been in contact with Wye Valley NHS Trust, who carried out the test and they have issued the following statement."

The Wye Valley NHS Trust said "an incorrect result was communicated" and apologised.

The NHS Trust said: "A test on a Whitecross student came back as inconclusive. Further analysis confirmed that the test was in fact negative. Unfortunately, an incorrect result was communicated prior to the full laboratory process being completed.

"Steps have been taken to ensure this does not happen again. Those who have been identified as contacts are now able to stop self-isolating and have been contacted by the school.

"Wye Valley NHS Trust appreciate the inconvenience this has caused and apologise that these actions were unnecessary on this occasion. The Trust acted in good faith to try and ensure a quick turnaround of the test result."

Mr Knapp added: "We are looking forward to welcoming back to school the 30 students who were asked to isolate and are grateful that the error was picked up so quickly which has kept disruption to learning to a minimum.

"Whilst we are pleased to hear that the result was negative, we are never complacent and will continue to do all we can to keep our students, staff and community safe."