Schools covid cases 'not unexpected' and safety measures 'satisfactory' says Doncaster public health boss

Both Outwood Academy Danum, at Intake, and St Joseph and St Teresa Primary School, Woodlands, have been closed this week after a member of staff at each tested postive for the coronavirus.

Dr Rupert Suckling, Director of Public Health for Doncaster, said: “There have been two separate incidents of COVID-19 affecting a small number of staff in schools in the borough.

“This is not unexpected. As we ease the lockdown we would expect to see cases in schools as the virus is in the community.

“Schools have well-prepared plans on how they would respond to a coronavirus incident in their school. These include testing, self-isolation where appropriate, and deep cleaning for the premises. As is now standard practice, any positive cases will be followed up by NHS Test and Trace, with any close contacts of cases informed and advised to self- isolate. Head teachers inform Public Health England who work directly with the school and the council’s Public Health team and education leadership offers broader support.

“The protection of pupils is of paramount importance and I am satisfied that all necessary and appropriate measures have or are being put in place by the schools affected.”

Both the schools headteachers have written to parents explaining the schools’ positions.

Both schools are having a deep clean of all areas.

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