Doncaster secondary school worker who tested positive for coronavirus 'told they had hay fever'

The individual, described by Outwood Academy Danum as a ‘member of the school community', is currently recovering from the virus and the school is now looking at re-opening later this month after it has carried out another deep clean of its site in Intake.

The Free Press understands the member of staff attended A&E on Saturday June 13 and underwent a number of tests, but not for coronavirus.

They went home with a diagnosis that their shortness of breath was due to a hay fever allergy.

The school has released more details over the closure and said the person was in the academy on Monday June 15, and returned a positive test on the Saturday June 20.

A spokesperson for the academy said they were pleased to say although the individual was still unwell, they were improving and the school wished them the very best in their recovery.

They academy says it took immediate and decisive action to ensure safety, above and beyond official guidance, notifying all people who had been near the patient on Saturday June 20, telling parents and pupils they would be closed this week

The spokesman added: “This closure allows us to perform yet another deep clean of the academy, having undergone such a task on June 19, to limit any chance of the virus spreading.

“As social distancing, and every other aspect of official government guidance, was maintained throughout the time the now unwell Outwood Family member was in the academy, the likelihood of anyone else becoming ill is significantly decreased.

“However, as we now operate in bubbles, it is important that the students and staff within the unwell person’s bubble self-isolate for 14 days after this possible contact. Other Outwood Family members outside this bubble, who did not come into contact with the unwell colleague, have no need to self-isolate.

“We are excited to open our doors on June 29, to see the smiles again on the faces of our students and staff, and we will continue to do all we can to ensure the safety of our Outwood Family."

David Purdue, director of nursing at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “All patients who present to our Emergency Departments are assessed by a senior clinician and are placed on an appropriate care pathway. We have a range of diagnostic tools which help us to determine whether or not an individual is suspected Covid-19 positive, and if they need to be admitted as an inpatient for further care, they will be swabbed for the illness.

“If you suspect you have Covid-19, you should self-isolate as per Government advice and you can request to be tested for the illness using the NHS’ website. If your conditions worsen and you need further advice, contact NHS 111, your GP or if you feel you need urgent care and treatment come to the Emergency Department.”

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