All Year 12 pupils at Bedwas High School to self-isolate

All Year 12 pupils at Bedwas High School have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days after a pupil tested positive for coronavirus.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Stephen Diehl said: “A Year 12 student has tested positive for coronavirus and we therefore need to follow strict public health protocols to ensure the health and wellbeing of the whole school community.

“Current public health advice states that other members of your household do not need to self-isolate. You should, however, be particularly vigilant about your child’s health and if they display any coronavirus symptoms, you should ensure that they are tested as soon as possible.”

Mr Diehl added: “I want to reassure you that all appropriate risk assessments and safety measures are in place throughout the school.

“These are being strictly followed to protect all pupils and staff and to limit the risk of any cross-contamination.”

Year 12, which is the first year of six form, is typically made up of pupils aged 16 and 17.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has been contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, Bedwas Infants School posted on Facebook on September 6 that a pupil had tested positive and that staff and pupils from one of its classes will have to self-isolate.

Playworks Early Days Nursery, in Bedwas, has also confirmed that one of its children has tested positive.

A temporary coronavirus test centre has been set up outside Caerphilly Leisure Centre after a surge of cases in Caerphilly County Borough in recent days.

Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Philippa Marsden has warned that a local lockdown could be introduced “if necessary”.