CHILDREN have been told to self-isolate after a coronavirus case was confirmed at a Herefordshire secondary school.

Wigmore School in north Herefordshire said the case was found during twice-weekly testing all secondary school and college students across the country have been encouraged to do since all returned earlier this month.

Executive headteacher Dr Rob Patterson said in a letter to parents on Thursday (March 25) that a small number of students had been told to self-isolate for 10 days after they were deemed to be close contacts of the person who tested positive.

He did not say if it was a student or member of staff who had tested positive, as teachers are also encouraged to do a lateral flow test twice a week, with a result given in around 30 minutes.

When a case is found by a lateral flow test, the person needs to get a confirmatory PCR test, one which is processed by a laboratory.

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Dr Patterson said: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a case of Covid-19 within the school.

"This case was identified via a home lateral flow testing kit and will be confirmed via a PCR test in the next couple of days.

"We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

"This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child."

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"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (Covid-19) will be a mild illness.

"The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 10 days.

"The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well."

Latest figures show 6,852 have tested positive for coronavirus in Herefordshire since the start of the pandemic, with 48 cases found in the last seven days.