THERE is an outbreak of Covid-19 at a primary school in Somerset.

North Newton Community Primary School announced yesterday (December 9) that their Carol Concert planned for next Tuesday (December 14) has been cancelled due to the outbreak.

To combat the increasing number of cases at the school, staff are limiting interaction between affected classes, minimising movement of staff between classes, and enhancing ventilation and cleaning measures on the site.

They are also limiting access to visitors, and staff are being asked to do daily Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing.

As well as the cancelled concert, the school will be keeping pupils in their own classes for the Christmas events planned next week.

A letter was sent to parents explaining the situation.

The letter states: "We would strongly encourage you to test you child using an LFD every day until the end of term.

"If your child is unwell, please keep them at home and if they have any Covid symptoms please do not send them to school, even if the LFD is negative.

"Our sincerest wish is to prevent all our pupils, families and staff being seriously affected by Covid this Christmas or missing out on seeing loved ones, due to self-isolation.

"We would really appreciate your continued support, even though this is a frustrating situation for all.

"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus will be a mild illness. Regardless of severity, for many parents this remains a concerning time.

"This letter is to inform you of the confirmed case and provide advice on how to support your child. We are constantly working with Public Health Specialists at both the County Council and PHE to monitor this situation and provide you with updates.

"Students who have tested positive are isolating. The small number of children who are identified as contacts of the confirmed case will have guidance from NHS test and trace and will be advised to take a PCR test.

"The school setting remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well. We encourage household members that are aged 11 and over to continue with twice weekly LFD testing to help identify cases promptly."

The school also states in the letter, that if your child is a close contact but has not been contacted by NHS Test and Trace, then they should still take a PCR test. And they must tick the box that says 'I have been told to get a test by my health protection team'.

You can order a PCR test here.