Pupils and staff at a school in Bishops Castle have tested negative for the Coronavirus.

The school is taking precautions after pupils and staff returned from Italy where the Coronavirus has spread. A group returned from a skiing trip in Claviere in northern Italy on Saturday, February 22.

Reuben Thorley, headteacher, said in a letter addressed to parents and carers on Monday, March 2: "I am very pleased to inform you that there have been no positive results for any of the students and staff who have been tested for COVID19."

He added: “We hope to see all those who have chosen to self-isolate over the last week due to concerns regarding underlying conditions return to school as soon as possible."

The school said it will continue to keep in contact with Shropshire Council and Public Health England with any future developments connected to the Coronovirus outbreak.

Disposable tissues and hand sanitiser have been made available throughout the school building and that thorough cleaning requirements will continue at least until the end of the term. 

"Hopefully by then the weather will be warmer and dryer and many of the infections that normally affect us at this time of year will reduce naturally along with the COVID19 situation," Mr Thorley added.

"It would help the school to keep viruses at bay if parents/carers could continue to ensure that their children carry their own tissues at all times and, if possible, hand sanitiser."

As of Wednesday, March 4, a total of 16,659 people have been tested in the UK, of which 16,574 were confirmed negative. 85 were confirmed as positive.

Public Health England’s emeritus medical director Professor Paul Cosford has called on the public to take simple steps such as washing their hands and throwing away used tissues.

People are being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

  • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

You can find the latest information and advice about the Coronavirus from Public Health Wales at www.phw.nhs.wales and Public Health England at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.