A CHESTER high school remains open today (Monday, March 16) following a social media scare where one of its students claimed they had coronavirus.

The headteacher of Christleton High School, Darran Jones, has moved to reassure parents and students that the student in question had not tested positive for the virus, had not been in school the previous week, but had been told to self-isolate for seven days as a precaution.

In a statement on the school's website, Mr Jones wrote: "It has come to my attention that a student posted on social media over the weekend that they have coronavirus and that this has been circulating amongst students and parents, causing high levels of concern.

"Following communication from the parent, I can confirm that the student has not tested positive at this stage and has been advised to self isolate for seven days as a precaution.

"The protocols we have to follow are clear. Therefore, I have today contacted the DfE helpline for their guidance.

"I can now also confirm that, given the student had been absent during the last week and the advice given to the parent, we remain open. We will continue to monitor the situation in coming days.

"Whilst I am a headteacher, I am also a parent and I understand the levels of concern that exist.

"I re-iterate that we take the safety of all our students very seriously and are following the DfE and Public Health England guidance to the letter, and, until that changes, we remain open."