Hundreds of children already having to isolate after positive COVID19 cases in schools

15 schools in Greater Manchester have been reported to have positive cases

A number of schools across Greater Manchester, including in Oldham, have already had to send pupils home to isolate after positive COVID-19 cases in the school.

It's been reported that Yew Tree Community School in Chadderton has had to isolate Class 4 red.

The Oldham Chronicle has also been told that a staff member at Royton and Crompton Academy has tested positive and is self-isolating. 

They were part of the year 7 bubble but it is currenlty unclear as to whether the year group is also isolating.

In an email to parents, Headteacher Andrea Atkinson reassured parents that they have been "working closely with Public Health England" who have advised them that "as robust safety measures are in place at the academy, including the arrangement of students and staff into bubbles to limit conact between individuals, the academy can remain open to all others."

She added: 

"Please rest assured that we are taking every precaution here at the academy to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our students and staff, including regular and focused cleaning of the academy, social distancing and ensuring good hand and respiratory hygiene."

An academy spokesperson said: 

"The academy has been made aware that a member of staff has unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19, and is now self-isolating for a period of 10 days. We wish our colleague a swift recovery, and we remain open to all other students and staff. 

"We have since been working closely with Public Health England who are satisfied that as robust safety measures are in place at the academy, including social distancing and the arrangement of students and staff into bubbles to limit contact between individuals, no further action is required at this moment in time. 

"The health and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our number one priority, and we continue to take every precaution here at the academy to ensure their safety and wellbeing.” 

We have also been told by a parent that Year 3 and 4 members of staff at St. Martins Primary School have been put into quarantine for 14 days. 

We've contacted the school for comment.

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