A Coronavirus case has been confirmed by a south Essex school after a parent of a child at Belfairs Academy tested positive.

Parents received an email from the school this morning which explained that the family were self-isolating but the school would remain open following advice from Public Health England.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Statement - Belfairs Academy 

The school confirmed that the child has not tested positive.

A parent of a child at the school who did not want to be named, said: "The email is very vague.

"It is very worrying that it is so close to home.

"I'm also concerned that there was a parents' evening recently.

"I believe the public deserve to know the locations of the infected." 

The email, from The Legra Trust, which manages the school said: "I wanted to make you aware that the father of a student at  Belfairs Academy has tested positive for coronavirus. The child has NOT tested positive. Acting on advice, the family are self-isolating as a precaution.

"As you would expect, I have taken advice from Public Health England and the World Health Organisation who have made it clear to me that we should take no further action at this time.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Advice - the school issued Public Health England guidelines 

"As ever, the health and safety of our children and staff remain a top priority. We will keep in regular contact with Public Health England and if advice changes, we will let you know immediately.

"In the meantime, if you or your child experience any symptoms (detailed on the attached poster), please contact NHS 111 for advice."

Independent councillor Trevor Harp, who oversees health, said: “These new cases of coronavirus are not unexpected. We fully anticipate an increase in numbers which is why our services have planned for, and are ready, for this situation.

“I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low at this time and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is working with Public Health England colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of the borough are protected.

Coronavirus advice - ways to reduce risk of catching it

“Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms, which is why it is important to help protect ourselves and each other.

“Following Government guidance to take basic hygiene precautions remains the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands. We should do this all day every day as we should for flu.

“Good regular cleaning with normal detergent of surfaces people touch regularly or may cough onto, like door handles and lift buttons, is also sensible.

"Please visit https://gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest advice and information.”