Coronavirus: Second Eastbourne school announces staff member isolation

Parents of children at Ocklynge School, in Victoria Drive, have been informed a staff member had contact with an infected person and has been told to stay at home for 14 days.

This comes after Ratton School released an almost identical statement today (Tuesday).

In a letter seen by this newspaper, Ocklynge head teacher Jon Reynard said, “We have been informed by a member of staff that 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.

“It is important to stress that the member of staff has no symptoms and has been advised they are at very low risk. We are being advised that there is similarly very little risk to anyone in the school community.

“Public Health England is clear in its advice that schools do not need to close, and they are working closely with East Sussex County Council. We will continue to keep parents and carers and the school community informed with any updated advice that is passed to us.

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

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.