Coronavirus UPDATED: Two Oldham schools close

Two schools in Oldham have closed their doors to pupils because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Roundthorn Primary Academy will shut for at least two weeks after two staff members reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.

A deep-clean will now take place at the school.

In a letter home to parents yesterday (Tuesday), executive principle John Taylor confirmed that two members of staff had tested positive for COVID-19.

Other members of staff are showing symptoms and are self-isolating at home.

In full, the letter said: "It is with regret that we must close the school today for a period of at least 14 days.

"This is because two members of staff are confirmed to have coronavirus and others are showing symptoms and self-isolating at home."

A letter has also been sent out to parents at New Bridge School which explains why the decision has had to be made. 

The Head of School, Gavin Lyons, said in the letter that after the updated guidance from the Government, the school has reassessed their situation.

He said a large number of pupils and staff are in the 'at risk' category.

The letter said: "We have taken this guidance very seriously in order to safeguard the wellbeing of our pupils and staff, as a large number fall into this group.

"This has led to a significant number of both our pupils and staff either staying at home or going home today in order to self-isolate or to adhere to the social distancing guidelines.

"This in itself has made managing the continuing education and wellbeing of your child in school a considerable challenge. It is anticipated that this number will increase tomorrow and likely further in the coming days.

"In partnership with the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust Leadership Team, we have therefore taken the view that the continued implementation of this new guidance, with its impact of pupil and staff ratios, in a special school environment, and with daily transport journeys presents a challenge to the safety and wellbeing of your child.

"In light of current circumstances, we believe that it is safer for your child to be at home with you during the 'delay phase' of the epidemic, where you can shield them from contact with others as far as is possible.

"This means that we will close New Bridge School, including our holiday clubs with immediate effect from tomorrow, Wednesday, 18th March.

"We will meet and work with our Local Authorities to monitor the situation and seek to resume our services when we are advised that it is safe to do so.

"We will provide further information in due course."

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