UPDATED: Dorset primary school closes after staff member tests positive for Covid-19

A Dorset school has been forced to close for two weeks after a member of staff caught coronavirus.

They tested positive before pupils returned to lessons at St Marks C of E Primary in Swanage, so no children have been exposed.

Other members of staff are now isolating as a precaution, which means there aren't enough people for the school to remain open.

The school will be working closely with Dorset Council and PHE to ensure high standards of hygiene and social distancing are met.

Headteacher Sally Craig said:

“We have written to the parents and carers of our pupils advising of a school closure for 14 days. This is after one of our members of staff tested positive for COVID-19.

“I would like to reassure our parents we have been working closely with PHE and Dorset Council to make sure this is managed appropriately and the school will be ready to reopen soon. We will be making arrangements so pupils can carry out work at home so that they can continue their learning.”

Sam Crowe is Dorset's Director for Public Health.

He said:

"There were a number of staff who fall into the category of having been exposed.

"For that reason the public health action takes priority so a number of staff have been asked to self-isolate.

"We haven't had to take this action to date, schools have remained open in Dorset throughout the pandemic, but it is really important that we remain focused on the priority in this instance which is to limit the chances of transmission."

Sam Crowe added:

"It is really important to stress that no children have been exposed."

"This happened on a day when staff were preparing for the school to reopen.

"Its a precautionary measure to prevent the transmission to further staff."

Mike Wade, Deputy Director for Health Protection at Public Health England South West, said:

“PHE South West is working closely with the school to provide public health advice to stop the virus spreading.

“Everyone should be following social distancing advice to prevent the spread of the virus in schools.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you, your family and colleagues by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.”