AN entire year group at a Weymouth school has been told to self-isolate as a precaution following a recent report of coronavirus cases.

Wey Valley Academy, based on Dorchester Road, wrote to parents and carers on Tuesday (October 20) about confirmed Covid-19 cases within the school. 

Children who had come into close contact with the affected people were told to self-isolate, but now the school has advised Year 8 students to not enter the school from Wednesday (October 21) onwards. 

Rob Russell, principal of Wey Valley Academy, has written a second letter to parents and carers and explained he has taken the action as a precaution. 

Mr Russell said in the letter: "Following the letter, sent to you on Tuesday morning detailing that we had been notified of a positive test in the school, we have been in regular contact with Public Health England, Dorset Council and Ambitions Academy Trust.

"As stated, on Tuesday morning, all close contacts of the confirmed case were identified and advised on Monday night to self-isolate at home for 14 days as per the PHE guidance.

Dorset Echo: Rob Russell sent two letters to parents about the news on Tuesday. Rob Russell sent two letters to parents about the news on Tuesday.

"On Tuesday, we have continued to investigate the potential for other students to have had contact as per the guidance from PHE. As a result of this investigation, we are taking a precautionary stance and have made the decision that all Year 8 students isolate as from the end of today.

"They have remained in their separate bubble all day so we are confident we can avoid further groups having to isolate at the present time.

"Both of the cases of Covid-19 had their origins outside of the school and were not linked to one another, which is why I continue to ask parents to ensure their children are following the rule of six and other government guidance to stay safe when not at school."

He adds that as a precaution, children considered to have come into close contact are being asked to self-isolate and should not mix with anyone from outside of their household in a bid to reduce the further spread of Covid-19 to others in the community.

Other members of the household are allowed to continue normal activities provided their child does not develop symptoms within the 14-day self-isolation period. If they do, they will need to be tested.

Affected schoolchildren will be asked to carry out remote learning. The period of self-isolation will end on Thursday, October 29. 

Wey Valley Academy has advised parents and children that if their child develops symptoms of Covid-19, he or she must be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119. The household should also isolate until they receive the test results giving the all-clear.