Five schools across Dorset report new coronavirus cases

Radipole Primary School, based on Radipole Lane, has confirmed there has been a Covid-19 case within the Weymouth school and all close contacts of the individual have been contacted.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said that the organisation is working with the school and Public Health South West during this period. The recent case comes after the school previously had a positive test in October.

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.

Radipole School, Weymouth. Picture: Google

Shaftesbury School, a boarding school in Shaftesbury for children between the ages of 11 to 18, has reported a coronavirus case within the institution.

Public Health Dorset confirmed the news on Thursday (December 3) and all close contacts of the confirmed case have been notified and need to self-isolate for 14 days.

Gillingham Primary School, based on School Road, confirmed a person has tested for Covid-19 and is self-isolating as a result.

William Barnes Primary School in Sturminster Newton has also confirmed a case of coronavirus and identified close contacts who should self-isolate as a result.

Sam Crowe, director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils 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.

The news comes after all Year 8 pupils were told to self-isolate as a precaution for a second time following a recent coronavirus case at Wey Valley Academy and Mountjoy School and Woodroffe School in West Dorset reported Covid-19 cases.