A YEAR 11 pupil at Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh has tested positive for coronavirus, it was confirmed today.

Headteacher Katharine Dines revealed the news in a letter to parents this afternoon and stressed the school would remain open and children should still attend if they are feeling well.

It comes just days after a teacher at the school tested positive for coronavirus.

Ms  Dines said: "I am sorry to inform you that, following a family member testing positive for Covid-19, we have had confirmation today that one of our Year 11 pupils has also now tested positive."

>> READ MORE: Pupils at Westcliff High School for Girls test positive

Ms Dines pointed to advice from Public Health England which stated: “We know that you may find this concerning but are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (Covid-19) will be a mild illness.”

Ms Dines added: "The small number of children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case will have received an individual letter and will be staying at home and not returning to school until Monday 28th September.

"As you know, the self-isolation period is currently 14 days from the date of last contact. As the pupils’ parent tested positive last weekend, the pupil concerned has not been in school since Friday 11th September."

>> READ MORE: Every Essex school with pupils testing positive for coronavirus

Advice from Public Health England:

  • If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared.
  • Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.
  • Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.
  • If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.
  • Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• a new continuous cough

• a high temperature

• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia) For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

  • If your child or anyone in the household does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111.

How to stop Covid-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with Covid-19

Do

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

• wash your hands as soon as you get home

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards