Retford school contained Covid-19 case by tracking students

Christine Horrocks, principal of The Elizabethan Academy, told how only ‘selected students’ had been made to self-isolate as opposed to a whole year group after being warned of the case by Public Health England.

The principal said the school was able to identify specific high-risk students due to ‘the infrastructure and systems we have in place’.

In a statement on its website this week the school warned parents that a ‘small number’ of students who had been in contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 would be ‘staying home for 14 days’.

Following the public statement Mrs Horrocks told Worksop Guardian the school had ‘not received notification of any further cases from parents or students’.

Self-isolating students were contacted over the weekend and are being taught remotely while free school meals will be delivered to those who are eligible.

Mrs Horrocks said: “Thank you to everyone who has sent in well wishes for the student concerned.

“We are continuing to ask students and parents to be vigilant and students must stay at home if they are displaying symptoms.

“We will send home any student who displays symptoms - in both cases usual self-isolation rules apply.”

Thanking students, parents and staff for wearing masks in school and on transport Mrs Horrocks added: “We are extremely proud of our students positive attitude, and commitment to their studies during this challenging time.”

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