Three schools across Weymouth report Covid-19 cases

Pupils and teachers returned to school in early September with varying guidance from schools about wearing face coverings and social distancing measures.

Current government rules state children under 18 years and six months do not need to self-isolate when coming into contact with someone who has Covid-19, but parents and carers of children should book a PCR test for them.

Children should self-isolate if they develop any Covid-19 symptoms and if they have a positive PCR test, they must self-isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive result.

Three schools, namely Wey Valley Academy, Budmouth Academy and All Saints CofE Academy, have all respectively written to parents and carers of students confirming they have Covid-19 cases.

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Rob Russell, principal of Wey Valley Academy, wrote to parents to state there has been a recent 'spike in the number of students who are testing positive for Covid-19' but noted numbers are 'still relatively low' within the school.

As of Wednesday, September 15, 13 students tested positive for Covid-19 while one staff member had also had Covid-19.

John Cornish, principal of All Saints CofE Academy, confirmed a number of new Covid-19 cases at the school.

As a result, he has reintroduced a rule that pupils must wear face coverings inside the school, unless they are medically exempt.

Rachel Partridge, Assistant Director of Public Health at Public Health Dorset, said: “We are aware of confirmed cases of Covid-19 at All Saints CofE Academy in Weymouth.

All Saints CofE has reintroduced face covering rules due to new Covid-19 cases

"All cases are self-isolating and contacts have been advised to take a PCR test. Schools undertake comprehensive risk assessments and we continue to work closely with the school and Dorset Council to provide advice and support as needed.

“In some instances, following risk assessment and discussion with public health colleagues, schools can introduce additional measures to prevent the further spread of the virus.”

Budmouth Academy confirmed that 24 students across the school years have Covid-19 and has written to parents confirming the news.

A spokesman for Aspirations Academies Trust, which oversees Budmouth Academy, said: ''24 students in total from different year groups have tested positive for coronavirus.

''We are currently following Government guidelines in relation to face coverings in school.

''We continue to promote the use of hand sanitiser when entering and leaving classrooms and buildings. Additional sanitisation of classrooms or buildings is taking place in addition to the daily cleaning regime in place on site.

"We currently also have a split lunch in place for year groups to minimise contact.''