Around 200 pupils have been told to self-isolate from a Bolton high school following a positive Covid Case.
Parents with children in six Year 8 classes at King's Leadership Academy received a letter today telling them they won't be able to return until after the May half term break.
The school is in Great Lever, one of the areas where surge testing is being carried out following a rise in cases of the Indian variant in the town.
One mum told us she feels schools there should be closed while rates are so high, saying: "I think they should have closed schools in Great Lever, it's really bad."
She added: "The families in that area are obviously mixing, which you are allowed now but it shouldn't be happening in this area. Then the children are bringing it to school. Great Lever is one of the worst areas in the UK and it's not helping to lower the cases if the children are still in school."
The letter to parents states: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school. We appreciate that this is not the first time that this class has been affected and thank you as parents for your cooperation and patience.
"We have followed the national guidance and have identified that your child has been in close contact with the affected child. In line with national guidance we recommend that your child now stay at home and self-isolate until Friday 28th May. Your child will return to school after half term on Monday 7th June."
We reported yesterday how the virus transmission rate in Bolton is now more than 14 times the national average for England.
The programme of surge testing is continuing after a rapid and dramatic rise in positive cases thought to be driven by the B.1.617.2 strain of the virus, often called the Indian variant.
The latest data shows there were 867 positive Covid-19 tests recorded in the borough in the week ending May 14, which is 435 more than the previous week.
Nationally, the government lifted restrictions on pupils wearing face masks in schools from this week, but in areas like Bolton, Bury and Wigan, they are still being asked to wear them amid concerns over the variant.
