Over 20 pupils sent home after confirmed case of COVID-19 at Penair School in Truro

Children who were in direct contact with the student will have to stay at home for two weeks

Over 20 pupils will have to self-isolate at home for 14 days after a fellow student was diagnosed with COVID-19 at a secondary school in Cornwall.

Penair School in Truro sent a letter to all parents this afternoon to advise them that Public Health England had confirmed a case of coronavirus within the school.

Head teacher James Davidson said: “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.

“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 for 14 days.

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

Mr Davidson confirmed to Cornwall Live that 23 students in Year 10 will have to self-isolate.

The letter contained advice for parents if their child develops COVID-19 symptoms, advising that they should not come to school for at least ten days and should arrange a test.

The symptoms include a new continuous cough, high temperature and a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

On Monday, September 21, Camborne Science and International Academy (CSIA) announced that a Year 8 pupil tested positive for COVID-19 and the entire year group was told to isolate at home until next Tuesday (September 29).

CSIA issued a statement: "At Camborne Science and International Academy, we acted immediately upon receiving the news and have followed all guidance from the Department for Education and Public Health England about what action to take.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation carefully and are working closely with the Department for Education, Public Health England, parents and the school community to ensure our follow-up measures are robust.

"We have extensive risk assessments in place, covering all necessary health and hygiene measures in line with or exceeding government guidelines to keep students and staff safe.

"We are working with the families of the students who have been asked to self-isolate to ensure our Year 8 students have access to our comprehensive remote learning programme until their return on Wednesday 30th September.

"Our students’ wellbeing and education will always be our number one priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate clearly with our school community.

"At this time, there are many other schools in the country having to address similar challenges."

Students on a Cornwall College course were also told to stay at home after a course-mate tested positive for COVID-19.

The student who attends the Camborne campus received confirmation of the positive test on Sunday, September 13, after getting tested the preceding week.

The student studies as part of the college’s Sports and Military and Protective Services Academy.