Coronavirus infections confirmed in Testwood School pupils

TWO Testwood School pupils have tested positive for coronavirus – one after spending a whole day in class.

In a message to parents posted on the Totton school’s Facebook page yesterday evening (Tuesday), it was revealed that one of the students had been told they had the virus after attending lessons that day.

It said: “There has been a positive Covid-19 test result late this evening of a student who was present at school today.

“I apologise for the lateness of this message. However, I want to reassure all parents, carers and students that it is safe to attend Testwood School tomorrow morning.

“The parents and carers of the students who need to self-isolate have been informed via a separate email and we will be taking further guidance from the Department for Education at 8am tomorrow morning.”

The school said it would be keeping all parents and careers updated.

Thanking people for their support, it added: “By working together we'll get through these difficult times. The well-being of all our staff, students and families is our number one priority. Please take care.”

A second pupil tested positive for the virus during half term but did not go back to school at the end of holiday and will remain away until clear.

Some parents reacted with alarm to the news, with one saying: “I’m not sending my daughter tomorrow after this email was sent. What year group? Has my daughter been in contact with the person? Deep clean the school? I work in a care home and now have extra worry.”

Others thanked the school for letting them know, with one mum saying: “The school are doing their best and I trust them. My daughter's education is of paramount importance and I know they take the safety of their students and staff very seriously.”

Another said: “The risk is very low hence why schools are staying open whilst we go into lockdown. The world can’t stop every time. This virus is here to stay.”