As many people in the town will know by now, there had been a single case of a Year 7 pupil at Ludlow School testing positive for Covid-19.
This was always going to happen. It will undoubtedly happen again. Yesterday, the way the report of a positive test was dealt with at Ludlow School was exemplary.
As soon as the positive test was confirmed, Year 7 was sent home. That decision was difficult for the students. It was difficult for their parents. But it was the right thing to do as we fight the pandemic locally and across the world.
Below is yesterday’s press release from Shropshire Council, Ludlow CE School and Ludlow unitary councillors.
Coronavirus: Joint Statement from Shropshire Council and Ludlow CE School
Shropshire Council is working with Public Health England (PHE) West Midlands following confirmation of a case of COVID-19 at Ludlow School.
The pupil had been in close contact with other school children and had immediately self-isolated once they became symptomatic.
Ludlow CE School has undertaken all COVID-19 secure measures in line with both Government and Shropshire Council local guidelines and health protection advice, including isolating all possible school ‘bubble’ contacts. As a precautionary measure, all Year 7 students have been sent home and are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
In line with Public Health England advice, Ludlow CE School maintains high levels of cleanliness and hygiene during the day and extra cleaning every evening throughout the premises, especially touch points like door handles, communal areas, toilets and dining halls to reduce the risk of infection.
Ludlow CE School has issued letters to inform parents/carers and staff of the situation and measures being taken to keep the school COVID-19 safe.
The school remains open and, unless they are unwell with symptoms or have been identified as a close contact, your child should continue to attend.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s Director of Public Health said:
“We want to reassure students and parents/carers that the risk of infection is very low. Ludlow CE School has taken all the necessary precautions to limit the spread of the virus.
“To date, there has only been one confirmed case. Anyone who is symptomatic will be offered immediate testing. Contact tracing is underway and if anyone is identified as a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, a contact advisor from Test, Trace will be in touch with appropriate advice.
“We will continue to work in partnership with Public Health England and Ludlow CE School as we continue to manage this evolving situation.
“Protecting the health of our population remains a priority, and at this time we would also like to remind everyone to follow social distancing advice to reduce their social interaction with other people.
“Good hand hygiene remains the best protection against the virus, including washing your hands more regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
“If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, for example if you have been contacted as part of the test and trace programme, you should stay at home – this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.”
Paula Hearle, Headteacher at Ludlow C School said:
“We are following the advice from Shropshire’s Council’s Public Health team and Public Health England, to put in place the measures needed to minimise the spread of the virus.
I appreciate this will be hugely disruptive to parents and pupils, but we need to minimise the risk of further infection.
“There’s robust health and safety measures in place, enhanced cleaning regimes and contact tracing in place since the first case was identified to help reduce any risk of spread.
“The school remains open for all other year groups and your child should continue to attend if they remain well.”
Andy Boddington & Tracey Huffer, local Shropshire Councillors for Ludlow North & East said:
“This was always going to happen. It will undoubtedly happen again. Today, the way the report of a positive test has been dealt with at Ludlow School has been exemplary.
“As soon as the positive test was confirmed, Year 7 was sent home. That decision is difficult for the students. It is difficult for their parents. But it is the right thing to do as we fight the pandemic locally and across the world.
“This case, and hopefully it is isolated, is just one example of the ‘new normal’. We must find ways of living with Covid-19 over the coming months. Ways of going to shop, work and go to school.
“We support the action of Ludlow School today. The school made the right move promptly.”
If you have any queries or concerns, call Shropshire Council’s Education Line on 0345 678 9008
The support line is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Press 5 for back to school enquiries.