Coronavirus: Buxton school WON’T open tomorrow as head sends letter to parents

Burbage Primary School said the school is expected to re-open on Monday, March 2.

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The school notified parents and carers of today’s planned closure yesterday but has released extra information this morning, with the total number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 in the UK now at 15.

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In a letter issued to parents today, Burbage Primary School said: “On the afternoon of Tuesday, February 25, school was made aware that a parent of one child had returned from a foreign holiday to an area affected by coronavirus during the half term break. Advice was sought from the relevant authorities.

"The child of the parent did not travel on holiday but did attend school on Monday, February 24 and Tuesday, February 25.

“As soon as we were informed, as a precaution, an agreement was made with the parent to keep the child off school from this date onwards and they have not returned to school since.

“The parent then informed school that they had a confirmed case of Covid-19 (coronavirus) during the evening of Wednesday, February 26.

“Advice was again sought from Derbyshire County Council, Public Health England and the National Health Service.

“Again, as a precaution, the decision to temporarily close the school was made.

“This decision was taken to enable a deep clean of the school building and to share key information with parents and carers,

“Please note, that at this stage, health authorities have not advised the closure or cleaning of the school. This is our independent decision as a duty of care to our pupils and staff and to ensure that the welfare and well-being of our community remains our utmost priority.

“We are very aware of the impact of news of this nature on a community and it is not our intention to cause undue alarm.

“School will remain closes on Thursday, February 27 and Friday, February 28 to enable cleaning to be completed and the local situation to be monitored.

“Unless further information becomes available, school will re-open on Monday, March 2.”