Cases of COVID-19 confirmed in NI secondary schools - pupils issued with guidance

Two NI secondary schools have issued guidance after confirmed cases of COVID-19 were found.
A fogging machine, which can disinfect a whole classroom.A fogging machine, which can disinfect a whole classroom.
A fogging machine, which can disinfect a whole classroom.

In statements on social media St Patrick’s College, Ballymena said: “A student in the school has tested positive for Covid-19 within the past few days.

“The school immediately reported the result to the Public Health Agency, and procedures were followed to identify close contacts within the school community.

“The parents of these close contacts were notified on Friday 2nd October of the need for their children to self-isolate until Tuesday 13th October, when they can return to school.

“If you were not contacted on Friday 2nd October, your child has NOT been identified as a close contact. The Public Health Agency has issued the attached letter for those whose children are not close contacts. We would ask you to read this letter in full, and follow the guidance it contains.”

The statement adds: “We would also seek your support in encouraging your child to ensure that they wear a face covering on school corridors and in other public areas of the school.

In this way we can all work together to minimise the risk that Covid-19 poses to our school community”.

And in another statement on Facebook, Saint Pius X College in Magherafelt also confirmed cases in their community.

They said: “The Public Health Agency has been notified of a number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the St Pius X College, Magherafelt community.

“The Public Health Agency has worked closely with the school principal to review all the cases and undertake a risk assessment in the school.

“All those who were in close contact with any of the cases in the school have been identified and

advised to self-isolate.”

The statement adds: “We are satisfied that the actions taken mean the ongoing risk of further cases has been reduced

and at this stage no further action is required.

“The school is able to continue to operate safely”.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit www.newsletter.co.uk now to sign up.Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe