A SCHOOL pupil is among those diagnosed with coronavirus in Warwickshire.
The Learning Today Leading Tomorrow trust, runs Rugby Free Secondary School, issued a statement saying it was informed of the news by Public Health England (PHE) yesterday.
Four patients in the county have been confirmed to have Covid-19, or coronavirus.
A school spokesperson said the trust had been advised there was no need to close the school, following a joint risk assessment and advice from PHE specialists.
In a letter to parents, the school said the pupil had visited Italy at the beginning of half term and had shown no symptoms after self-isolating for 14 days, so returned to school at the end of last week.
But the child felt ill over the weekend and was diagnosed yesterday, and is currently isolating at home.
The school and PHE are advising those who have been in close contact with the child regarding self-isolation and what to do if symptoms develop.
Parents and carers who have not been contacted by the school by 8am today (Monday March 9) have been asked to send their children to school as normal.
The spokesperson added the school had been cleaned according to PHE guidance, and had introduced disposable hand towels, hand sanitiser in every classroom and new protocols at lunchtime.
The importance of regular handwashing, and the Catch It, Bin It, Kill It message, will be highlighted to all pupils as one of the most effective ways to prevent the virus from spreading.
The trust’s CEO Brenda Mullen said: “Our first thoughts are with the child and any family members affected, and we hope they will make a speedy recovery.
“Our duty of care to children and staff is paramount and we are assured by the fact that Miss Roberts, the acting head teacher, has followed government guidance to the letter at each stage.
“This action has minimised the risk to other children and staff in the school.
“Miss Roberts will be updating all parents/carers on a daily basis and will immediately contact parents if the PHE advice changes.”
Three patients in neighbouring Coventry have also been confirmed to have the virus.
Visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirushttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public for the current national guidance on Coronavirus.
