Calderdale school stays open amid two staff members contracting coronavirus

William Henry Smith School, on Booth Royd Lane, Brighouse, confirmed two staff members are self-isolating after testing positive for the deadly virus.

However, the school's principal Sue Ackroyd said the cases are 'isolated and not at all related', and that both staff members have not been within the school's ground since lockdown began in March.

Ms Ackroyd said: "Two staff are self isolating with the virus, but there has been no issues.

"We're liaising with Public Health England, which has agreed there's absolutely no need to close.

"Both members of staff have not been in contact with anyone from the school and neither of them have been in the school since lockdown began.

"Our main priority is the children of our school because we do educate special children who are vulnerable."

Calderdale Council’s Consultant in Public Health, Ben Leaman, said: “We are aware that a small number of people have tested positive for coronavirus at a school in Calderdale.

"The school has worked with Public Health England and the local authority to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to minimise the risk of infection to their pupils and staff, and as a result a small number of people have been advised to self-isolate.

"It is not thought that coronavirus was passed on in the school, and the school remains open.

“Any reports of cases involving staff or students at schools are investigated and followed up using the government’s guidelines. If there are cases of coronavirus, then they will follow the guidance and contact families and staff as necessary.

“As the virus is still within our community we should all continue to keep at least two metres away from people outside our households wherever possible, wash our hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching our face and follow the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ guidance to help keep ourselves and others safe.”