Eastbourne school staff member isolated over coronavirus

In a letter seen by this newspaper, Ratton School told parents the member of staff had come into contact with someone with a confirmed case of the virus in Brighton.

They had been told by Public Health England to self-isolate at home for 14 days, the school said.

The letter, signed by head teacher Gavin Peevers, said, “We have been informed by a member of staff they have been contacted by Public Health England and advised to isolate themselves at home for 14 days.

“We understand this is a precaution following some limited contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus which has recently been reported in Brighton and Hove.”

The letter continues, “It is important to stress the member of staff has no symptoms and has been advised they are at very low risk.

“We are being advised there is similarly very little risk to anyone in the school community.

“We will continue to keep parents and carers and the school community informed with any updated advice passed to us.

“Thank you for your understanding and we are looking forward to learning continuing as normal in the approach to the mid-term break.”

The school said Public Health England advice at this time is schools do not need to close.

This comes after an Eastbourne business has closed temporarily after a member of staff came into contact with a person with suspected coronavirus.

Rexel said the branch in Hargreaves Road is shut for now as a precaution.

Meanwhile, a number of people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Brighton.

Today (Tuesday) Steve Walsh was revealed as the man from Hove who had caught the virus on a business trip in Singapore.

Five cases linked to the gas salesman are in the UK, with five more in France and another reportedly infected in Majorca.

He has now announced he is fully recovered, though he remains in hospital in London.

• Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough or difficulty breathing.

• The NHS says the current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.

• For the latest advice visit gov.uk/coronavirus.