A MEMBER of the Bishop Challoner Catholic secondary school community has tested positive for coronavirus.

The positive case is confirmed in a letter to parents from the headteacher of the South Ham school, John Wright, seen by The Gazette, which confirms that one member of the community tested positive for the virus.

The letter states that the year group that has been in contact with the individual - neither of which have been named - have been told to stay at home for 14 days.

Mr Wright said in the letter, dated Thursday, November 12: "We know that you may find this concerning but we 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.

"The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well."

The case has not yet been confirmed on the Hampshire County Council website.

It comes as The Gazette reported that 11 schools in the borough have confirmed Covid cases in the last 14 days.

As reported earlier this week, The Vyne School, in South View, has had to shut for two weeks until November 23 because of the virus.

Headteacher Nicola Pearce confirmed that a “small number of individuals” had tested positive, resulting in the decision to close the school.

Other schools in the borough to report a positive case of Covid last week, according to HCC, were Oakridge Junior School, in Oakridge Road; The Clere School, in Burghclere; Costello School, in Crossborough Hill; and Marnel Infant School, in Popley.