NINE schools in Dorset have confirmed cases of coronavirus since classrooms reopened last week, with students and staff self-isolating as a result.

Despite schools being closed to most pupils, they must remain open for children of key workers and vulnerable pupils.

Since the start of term on Monday, January 4, nine schools in Dorset Council area have reported cases of Covid-19.

Sam Crowe, director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils confirmed that a number of schools in Dorset have reported single cases of COVID-19.

He said: “These schools are working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset Council and Public Health England South West to ensure that all necessary measures are being met.

“All close contacts of the confirmed cases have been notified and need to self-isolate for 10 days. Contacts of the confirmed cases should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 10 days.”

The following schools have all confirmed a single case of coronavirus, along with the reported date of the positive test:

• St Mary & St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, in Wareham – January 14

• Holy Trinity Primary School, in Weymouth – January 14

• Archbishop Wake C of E Primary School, in Blandford Forum – January 14

• Lytchett Minster School, near Poole– January 13

• Bere Regis Primary School, in Bere Regis – January 11

• Pimperne Primary School, in Pimperne – January 11

• Mountjoy School, in Beaminster – January 7

• Shaftesbury School, Shaftesbury – January 6

• Radipole Primary School in Weymouth – January 4