Class sent home over covid-19 case at Polegate school

The pupils will have to self-isolate for two weeks after a trainee teacher at the primary school in Oakleaf Drive tested positive for the virus.

In a letter sent to parents, which has been seen by this newspaper, the school said, “We have been advised by Public Health England there has been a confirmed case of covid-19 within the school.

“This was in fact a trainee teacher who had attended school for one day on Tuesday, September 29, and only worked in [one class], she has since tested positive.

“We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

“The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive have received a letter informing them their child must stay at home for 14 days.

“The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.”

It comes after a confirmed case of coronavirus at another school in the Eastbourne area.

Heron Park Primary Academy sent a whole year group home after a pupil tested positive for the virus last week.

Polegate School has been contacted for comment.

Covid-19 case confirmed at Eastbourne school

According to the NHS, the main symptoms of coronavirus are:

• A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

• A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

• A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

If you have any of the main symptoms of covid-19, get as soon as possible.

Then stay at home and do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.