A ANDOVER school has instructed a group of students to self-isolate after one pupil tested positive for coronavirus. 

Harrow Way Community College, on Harrow Way, alerted parents and guardians on Friday.

In a message, officials said anyone who had been in contact with the diagnosed child must stay at home for 14 days.

However, they said children must continue to attend school as normal if they remain well.

They added reassurance that for most people who tested positive for coronavirus, it was a “mild illness”.

In an email seen by the Advertiser, it read: “Dear parent, we have been made aware of a member of our school community in year 8 who has tested positive for Covid-19.

“The parents of the small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive have been contacted and received a letter informing them that their child must stay home for 14 days.

“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. Please be reassured that for most people, corornavirus will be a mild illness.

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

The Advertiser has contacted Harrow Way Community College for further information.

Parents have praised the school’s handling of the situation.

One wrote: “My son was one of the pupils that had come into contact with the child [who tested positive]. I couldn’t praise Harrow Way enough. It was so efficient. Son was brought out to meet me with a letter on how to isolate. It was dealt with amazingly.”

Another person added: “The Harrow Way is doing a great job. Really clear email sent to every parent form the school, not just those impacted.

“They couldn’t have been more transparent in dealing with this situation.”

The news comes after Stockbridge Primary School was closed after an outbreak.

The current advice from Public Health England states that if someone tests positive for coronavirus, they must be sent home to self-isolate for 14 days.

The school must then contact their local public health protect team who will advise on who else should be sent home.

Anyone who has been in close contact with the infected person will also be advised to self-isolate.

Close contact means face-to-face contact for any length of time, within 1m, including being coughed on, a face-to-face conversation or physical contact.

According to the latest figures, around 16 per cent of schools in England have so far had to send some pupils home.

All schools in England have been provided with a small number of testing kits, to be offered to a pupil or staff member in the “exceptional circumstance” they cannot get tested any other way.

The government says the test kits should be given to an adult or else a child’s parent or carer, who should carry out the test off site (unless it is a boarding school).