A MEMBER of staff at an Ellesmere Port secondary school has tested positive for coronavirus.

Whitby High headteacher Bryn Heeley has confirmed that a number of students were now having to self-isolate until the week beginning October 5.

It is the second confirmed Covid-19 case to affect the Sycamore Drive school in the space of a week.

Mr Heeley told The Standard there was nothing to indicate that the two cases are related in any way at this stage.

He added that the procedures put in place to deal with the latest case had once again "worked very well" and thanked parents and carers for their support.

In a statement, he said: "I can confirm that a second member of our school community tested positive for Covid-19 last night (September 29).

"We have been in regular contact with those concerned and at this point there is nothing to indicate that the two cases are related in any way. Both are now self isolating at home.

"Our response procedure was put into place again following our internal track and trace arrangement which falls in line with Public Health England and Cheshire West and Chester Public Health guidance.

"As a result we have directed a number of students to self isolate until the week beginning the 5th October 2020.

"All students self isolating from today have received access to their parallel on line curriculum which ensures that they continue with relevant work and make progress.

"As a school, we take our responsibility to keep students safe seriously by reducing risk as much as we can. Our procedures worked very well yesterday ensuring that the safety of students and staff remain our priority.

"Parents, carers and CWAC Public Health have been most supportive and again I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support and appreciation for our actions."

In an email sent out to parents and carers, the school has reminded them to make contact immediately if their child experiences any of the following symptoms:

  • A high temperature
  • A new, continuous cough
  • A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste