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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Ffion Lewis

Portfield School in Haverfordwest closes for week as pupils and staff member have coronavirus

A school in Haverfordwest will close for the rest of the week after a member of staff and some pupils tested positive for coronavirus.

Portfield School, which caters for children with additional needs, said a number of pupils, as well as a member of staff, have contracted the virus.

The school also said that several other people linked to the school are awaiting test results.

It was initially announced on Monday that the school would be closed for two days as a "precaution". However the school has now said it will remain closed for the rest of the week as a deep clean gets underway.

It is not yet known how long the school will remain closed although Pembrokeshire County Council said the aim is for it to re-open as normal after half term.

Staff members and pupils identified as close contacts of the infected people have been contacted by the school and asked to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution.

See the number of coronavirus cases where you live:

The school said it was working closely with Pembrokeshire County Council and NHS Wales Trace Test Protect and is following all the advice and guidance.

Damian Hewitt, headteacher at Portfield, said: “We are clearly saddened that we have made the decision to close Portfield and understand the disruption that school closure can create.

“The Teaching Team will be contacting pupils to check in and offer blended learning opportunities.

“Thank you for all the positive comments and the support that you have given us this week. Clearly it is not lost on the majority of you that our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of our pupils, families and staff.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding and the last few days have shown why it is a privilege to serve our community as your headteacher.”

Pembrokshire County Council confirmed that positive cases of Covid-19 were identified at the school over the weekend, and although there have been no further identified cases since, the school is working with the health board to ensure that everyone who needs to isolate does so.

Parents and guardians have been told by Hywel Dda University Health Board that the entire household must isolate for 14 days if a child develops symptoms.

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