Coronavirus case is confirmed at Horsham area school

Peter Woodman, headteacher of the Weald in Billingshurst, said they had been advised of the case by Public Health England.

In a letter, seen by this newspaper, Mr Woodman informed parents of the case and issued advice on how to support pupils.

The school, whose response has been praised by parents, is remaining open.

Mr Woodman said: “The school remains open and providing your child remains well they can continue to attend school as normal.

“We will keep this under review.

“The reality is that over the last three months we can be fairly sure that a number of staff and students have had symptoms of Covid 19.

“It is only in recent weeks, with tests available, that cases can be confirmed.

“In the coming weeks and months, even as Covid 19 recedes on a national basis, we are likely to see occasional cases in school.

“The issue then becomes not one of whether we see cases, but of how we deal with them. We have a clear protocol that involves taking advice from our local Public Health team.”

He reassured parents that for most people coronavirus is a mild illness.

Mr Woodman added: “If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they should remain at home for at least seven days from the date when their symptoms appeared.

“Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

“All other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.

“The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

“Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

“Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.

“If you are able can, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.”

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