MORE than 40 children from a Chippenham school are self-isolating after a pupil tested positive for Covid-19.

At least 44 pupils from Abbeyfield School have been told to self-isolate after being identified as close contacts of the case.

Wiltshire Council confirmed, however, that more contacts have been found over the course of the day.

Public health consultant, Rachel Kent said: “We work closely with any school that has a confirmed Covid-19 case to ensure we limit the spread of the virus as much as possible.

“Each case and setting is risk assessed on a case by case basis so depending on the bubble arrangements, sometimes a single case in a school can result in a high number of pupils having to self-isolate.

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“This abundance of precaution is sensible and with schools set-up to provide home learning with little notice we hope it doesn’t cause too much disruption for pupils and their families.

"With case numbers increasing locally it’s a good time for people to be reminded that the best way to protect themselves and loved ones, is to continue to be cautious and sensible at all times.”

Cases in schools have been increasing since the return from the half-term break, and currently the age range with the greatest number of recorded cases is those between 15 and 29-years-old.

Abbeyfield as been approached for comment.