St Ives School shuts after three staff members test positive for COVID-19

All cases were confirmed this week

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Coronavirus headlines on October 21

A secondary school in Cornwall has closed its doors after several staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

St Ives School confirmed all the positive tests this week.

After the first case was announced, it was considered that there was no risk to pupils as the member of staff had minimal interaction with students.

The school revealed that the second member of staff who tested positive had not been in school since Thursday, October 8, and they were therefore not in school when they were infectious.

But now a third coronavirus case has been confirmed and the school is closed to all students today.

Executive head teacher Jan Woodhouse shared the announcement on the school's Facebook page.

The statement in full:

"Dear Parents/ Carers

"St Ives School will be closed to all students tomorrow (Friday 23rd October). This is a precautionary measure, advised by Truro and Penwith Academy Trust as a third member of our staff has now tested positive for Covid 19. There are currently no confirmed student cases.

"Work will be set for students on Show My Homework. For students in Years 7, 8 and 9, work will be set in English, Maths, Science, geography, History and French in line with their timetable. Students in Years 10 and 11 will be set work in English, Maths, Science and option subjects, again in line with their timetabled lessons.

"I would like to reassure parents that the closure of the school is a precautionary measure whilst we take further advice from the Department of Education and Public Health England. We expect the school to re-open to all students after the half term break on Monday 2nd November.

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"Teachers, our Year Leaders and our Safeguarding Team will be available on their emails tomorrow to provide further advice for parents and students. Email contact details are available on our school website.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their support and to wish all our students a restful break over the half term holiday.

"Yours sincerely

Mrs Jan Woodhouse, Executive Headteacher"