Students self-isolating after pupil tests positive for Covid-19 at school in Fenham

A pupil has tested positive for coronavirus at a school in Fenham.

Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Newcastle 's West End confirmed in a letter to parents that a Year 11 student had been diagnosed with the virus.

Acting head teacher Suzanne Howell said the students who had been in close contact with the teenager had been contacted and would be isolating for 14 days.

Mrs Howell said all other students should continue to attend school as normal.

In a letter to parents on Wednesday, Mrs Howell said: "There has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 here at Sacred Heart.

"I can assure you we have followed all guidance issued to us by the Health Protection Team and acted accordingly.

"We are confident that we have identified the students who have come into contact with the confirmed case, and the parents/carers of all affected students have been contacted.

"The students affected will not return to school until they have completed their 14 day isolation period in line with national guidance."

She added that all other students should continue to attend school as normal, so long as

they do not show symptoms of Covid-19, such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste

they do not live with someone who has symptoms of Covid-19 or has tested positive

they have not been told to isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

A number of schools across the region have been affected by coronavirus after they reopened earlier this month. Some asked year groups or bubbles to isolate at home, while others decided to close for a deep clean.