An entire primary school in Llanelli has asked pupils to learn from home after staff shortages due to Covid-19.
Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant on Bryndulais Avenue had a number of positive cases and as a result a number of staff and pupils have been told to self-isolate.
The number of staff members self-isolating has caused a shortage and as a result the entire school asked its 450 pupils to learn from home until the school reopens next week.
Both pupils and members of staff have tested positive for Covid-19 in recent weeks, however, the exact number of cases is not known.
This comes days after some councils around Wales confirmed that they were considering closing schools early for Christmas break to reduce the risk of Covid-19.
Other councils said that they have no plans to shut early, so what happens to the end of term will vary across Wales depending on local decisions.
In Carmarthenshire, Councillor Rob James, leader of the Labour group on the county council, said no decision had been made but he did confirm that the “complex issue” was under discussion.
A spokeswoman for Carmarthenshire Council said: “We are in regular dialogue with the Welsh Government and will make decisions based on consideration of all information available.”
The current rate of cases per 100,000 in Carmarthenshire is 215.1 (Up from 204.5).
Carmarthenshire Council have said that due to the increase of cases in the county, cases in schools are unfortunately inevitable but that it is important to remember that the cases linked to schools doesn't mean that they were transmitted there.
All parents at Ysgol Dewi Sant have been informed and a number are self-isolating.
Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services Cllr Glynog Davies said: “We can confirm that pupils at Ysgol Dewi Sant have been asked to learn from home for the remainder of this week due to staffing issues.
“Parents whose children have been identified as potential contacts have been informed; and the school will keep all parents updated regarding the situation going forward.
“In relation to the positive cases, please be assured that the school has strict procedures in place to keep pupils and staff as safe as possible.
“We understand parents and the community will be concerned at reports of positive cases, however, this process of testing and contact tracing is part of the ‘new normal’ and schools follow these guidelines carefully."
“We all have a responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe and it is vitally important we follow all the guidance to reduce the spread of coronavirus in our community.”
