FOUR Dorset schools have confirmed cases of coronavirus, with students and staff self-isolating as a result.

Despite schools being closed to most pupils, they must remain open for children of key workers and vulnerable pupils.

St Osmund’s Middle School, based on Barnes Way in Dorchester, and Damer’s First School on Liscombe Street in Poundbury, both reported single cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, January 26.

Westfield Arts College, a Weymouth school which teaches children with moderate complex learning difficulties, also confirmed a person within the school tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, January 27.

St Mary's CE VC First School, based in Charminster, also recently confirmed a case of coronavirus after the school wrote to parents advising their children to self-isolate.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils said: “We are aware that a number of schools in Dorset have received confirmed cases of COVID-19. These schools are working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset Council and Public Health England South West to ensure that all necessary measures are being met.

“All close contacts of the confirmed cases have been notified and need to self-isolate for 10 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 10 days.”