THE whole of Year 7 have been told to stay at home and self isolate until September 23.

A letter to Year 7 parents says they have been identified as being in "close contact with the affected child".

A CHILD who has just started their first year in a Taunton secondary school has tested positive for Covid-19.

The acting head teacher at Bishop Fox's has written to parents and carers to inform them of the "single confirmed case" in the Year 7 group.

In the letter, Nic Blunsum says: "Whilst I fully understand this will cause anxiety amongst the school community, I can assure you all necessary steps are being taken to minimise risk to others.

"We have followed the national guidance and have identified all people who have had contact with the person and they have been advised whether they need to exclude themselves from school and any other action which may be required.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and are working closely with PHE and the local authority.

"Due to the measures the school has taken since the start of term to minimise the risk of Covid-19 the school will remain open to the other year groups.

"Providing your child is well and does not develop the symptoms of Covid-19, they can continue to attend school as normal."

Mr Blunsum says that if any child at the school develops symptoms:

*they should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 .

*all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in their ‘support bubble’. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

*household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home. If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Mr Blunsum added: "Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.

"If you are able to we recommend that you move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period

He listed the most common symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) are recent onset of:

•new continuous cough and/or

•high temperature and/or

•a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

Mr Blunsum said: "For most people, coronavirus (Covid-19) will be a mild illness.

"If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111."

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19.

Do

•wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

•use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

•wash your hands as soon as you get home

•cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

•put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.

Mr Blunsum said in the letter: "I thank you all for your cooperation and understanding in this matter. As ever we will do all that we can to ensure Bishop Fox’s provides a safe, caring and purposeful learning environment for all of our students."