Twenty-one pupils at St Gwladys Primary School, in Bargoed, have been told to self-isolate after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus.

The pupils, all from the same class, must stay at home for 14 days, although the school remains open.

A Caerphilly County Borough Council spokesman said the decision was taken for the pupils to isolate after advice from Public Health Wales.

He said: “All parents of the children concerned have been contacted and advised of the appropriate process to follow.

“We fully appreciate that this will cause concern to parents and children at the school, but it is important to note that all safety measures are in place throughout the school and that they are being followed strictly to limit any cross-contamination.

“The school has acted promptly and is working closely with the Test, Trace and Protect team and the council to ensure all appropriate measures are in place to protect pupils, staff and the wider community.

“The school remains open and it is not necessary for any other child to self-isolate, stay away from school or to be tested, unless they develop symptoms of Covid-19.

“The school will continue to provide regular updates to parents.”

A lack of social distancing by the public has been blamed for a recent spike in cases of Covid-19 in Caerphilly County Borough.

Visits to care homes across the county borough have been stopped and a mobile testing centre has been set up in the car park of Caerphilly Leisure Centre.

More new cases reported

Public Health Wales has today (September 6) reported a further 25 new cases it is aware of from tests carried out since September 1. This figure does not include any results from the walk-in testing centre at Caerphilly Leisure Centre.

Caerphilly Observer has been told that around 400 people were tested at the centre on its first day yesterday (Saturday).

Official figures won’t be available until early next week.

The temporary testing centre is due to remain until Tuesday.