Malmesbury School is taking precautionary measures after one pupil at the school tested positive for COVID-19.

The pupil is in Year 8, and while all preventative and proper bubble measures have been followed, the school has also agreed to take additional steps with advice from Wiltshire Council’s Public Health Team and ask some Y8 and Y7 pupils, a total of 34 pupils to self-isolate for 14 days.

The school has already arranged for those pupils to continue their learning at home during this time.

The school has been working closely with Wiltshire Council to ensure high standards of hygiene and social distancing are maintained and all the necessary measures are in place. The self-isolation of the pupils is very precautionary to minimise any risk to others.

Rupert Moreton headteacher at Malmesbury, said: “We have written to parents and are very grateful for their understanding.  The safety of our school community is paramount, and we have worked with Wiltshire Council’s Public Health Team and followed their advice and guidance. 

"We will continue to ensure that this situation is managed closely.  We look forward to welcoming these students back in a couple of weeks.”

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, said: “This precautionary action is very important so we can keep the risk of any transmission within the school community as low as possible. We will continue to support the school so their high standard of COVID-19 measures are maintained.  

“It is a legal requirement that anyone asked to self-isolate should follow the government information on this and stay at home. If they don’t have symptoms, they do not need to get a test. However, if a member of their household has symptoms and takes a test then they should self-isolate.

“We ask that people regularly wash hands, maintain social distancing and wear face coverings where appropriate – this is the best way to keep you and everyone safe as much as possible.”