Hundreds of pupils are self-isolating after confirmed coronavirus cases at six schools in and around Bristol in recent days.
Seven students from six schools in the city and nearby North Somerset have been confirmed as having the virus since the start of this week.
The exact number of pupils and staff forced to self-isolate as a result of the outbreaks has not been confirmed, but 244 people from three of the schools and two full year groups have been placed into quarantine.
Anyone who has come into close contact with any of the infected pupils has been asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
The schools at which COVID-19 cases have been confirmed are as follows:
- Two Mile Hill Primary School in Kingsway - two students have tested positive and 160 people of mixed ages are self-isolating
- Shirehampton Primary School in Shirehampton - one student has tested positive and students in year six are self-isolating
- John Williams Oasis Academy in Hengrove - one student has tested positive and students in year seven are self-isolating
- Kings Forest Primary School in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire - one student has tested positive and 27 people are self-isolating
- Churchill Academy in Winscombe - one student has tested positive and 57 people are self-isolating
- Hans Price Academy in Weston-super-Mare - one teacher has tested positive
A student at the University of the West of England has also tested positive for the virus. Any individuals who have been in close contact with them have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14 days.
Christina Gray, Bristol’s director for public health, said: “With students going back to school after a long break where they have mixed with other families it is not surprising that we have seen a few cases in schools already.
"Nationally we have seen an increase over the past few weeks, following the easing of lockdown restrictions, people mixing more, returning from holidays and visiting relatives around the country.
“Schools are working alongside the council and PHE to handle this challenge in the best and safest way possible for your children."
She added: "Please be reassured that infections rates in schools are still very low and evidence suggests that children are more likely to contract COVID-19 at home.
“Self-isolating is really difficult for people, as it means you should not leave the house. At this stage the guidance is that only the child who has come into close contact with the infected child needs to self-isolate.
"Siblings should still attend school as normal and the whole family only need to isolate if someone in their household tests positive.
“Therefore it is really important that parents follow guidance both at home, and socially, and ensure that their child is tested and stays at home if they display symptoms. This will prevent more people from potentially catching the infection and having to self-isolate.”
