FIVE more schools across Dorset have confirmed cases of coronavirus - with one forced to close completely and move to a temporary remote learning programme.

Okeford Fitzpaine CE Primary School, based Okeford Fitzpaine near Blandford Forum, has temporarily moved to remote learning following a Covid-19 case, which has forced students and staff members to self-isolate.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said on Friday, November 27 that the organisation is working with the school and Public Health South West during this period.

He said: “Due to a number of staff needing to self-isolate, the decision has been made for the school to temporarily move to online learning for all pupils.

“All close contacts of the suspected cases have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14 days. Contacts should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 14 days.”

Dorset Echo: Okeford Fitzpaine CE Primary School near Blandford Okeford Fitzpaine CE Primary School near Blandford

Wyke Regis Junior School, based in High Street, Wyke Regis, confirmed a person within the school had tested positive for Covid-19.

The school remains open as close contacts of the infected person have been notified and need to self-isolate for 14 days. They must get tested if they go on to develop Covid-19 symptoms and must still self-isolate for 14 days even if they test negative.

Gryphon School, based in Sherborne, remains open after a number of people tested positive for Covid-19.

The school, which has previously reported a number of coronavirus cases, has contacted all close contacts of the people with Covid-19 and they have been told to undergo a test if they develop symptoms and must self-isolate for 14 days even if the test is negative.

Another school in Sherborne, Harbour Vale School, has recently confirmed a person tested positive for Covid-19 and remains open during this time.

Beaucroft School in Wimborne has also confirmed a case of coronavirus and identified close contacts who should self-isolate as a result.

Mr Crowe confirmed cases at the schools and said they are all working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset Council and Public Health England South West.

He said: “All close contacts of the confirmed cases have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14 days.

“Contacts of the confirmed cases should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 14 days.”

Parents and carers have been informed by their respective children’s schools that if a child develops symptoms of Covid-19, he or she must be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119. The household should also isolate until they receive the test results giving the all-clear.