SCHOOLS across the town have been sharing advice to parents after a confirmed case of coronavirus at Andover Leisure Centre.

The centre was closed on Sunday and subject to a thorough clean after a man had “briefly attended” on Saturday to collect someone. The same man later tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) and the facility was closed as a precautionary measure.

Many schools are following the general advice shared by Public Health England and the NHS, however some are taking additional precautions.

Here’s the specifics of what many are advising – this information will be updated as and when we hear more.

 

Harrow Way Community School

Headteacher Mr Serridge has issued a response to the situation at the leisure centre.

He notes that school staff “remain in very close contact with Public Health England” and will continue to follow their advice and take precautions as required.

Currently the school is advising parents to followed the general advice offered by the government agency.

He added: “As a precautionary measure, I have phoned Public Heath England this afternoon (Sunday). The advice Andover schools have received is as follows:

1. If parents or students have attended the leisure centre and display the identified symptoms should stay off school and contact 111.

2. If parents or students have attended the leisure centre but are fine, they are fine to attend school. (if they feel unwell in near future then stay off and contact 111).”

Parents are also urged to keep the school informed.

 

John Hanson School

Likewise John Hanson School is following the general advice from Public Health England.

In short, it echoes that if parents or children attended the leisure centre and are displaying the symptoms, they should remain off school and call 111.

However if they are not displaying any of the identified symptoms – even if they attended the leisure centre at the weekend – then children should attend school as normal and parents can continue to visit the school site as normal.

The school also stresses that just because you display the symptoms of coronavirus – a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath – does not mean you definitely have it. The symptoms are very similar to much more common illnesses such as a cold or the flu.

 

Winton Academy

Winton Academy has shared the general advice from NHS England via its Twitter page.

This echoes the above advice that children should only be kept off school if they are displaying any of the symptoms of coronavirus.

 

Vigo Primary School

Headteacher Mrs Bray says the school will keep parents updated with advice from Public Health England, but presently they are following suit with most other schools.

Her official statement read: “As you may have heard there has been a confirmed case of Coronavirus in Andover over the weekend.

“If your child has attended the leisure centre and feels unwell, they should stay off school and contact 111.

“If your child has attended the leisure centre but are fine, they are okay to attend school.

“We will continue with high levels of hand hygiene and vigilance and will update you if advice from Public Health England or the Department for Education changes.”

 

Norman Gate School

General advice offered by the NHS and Public Health England is being shared by Norman Gate School.

The school has confirmed that it will remain open as usual on Monday.

However, anyone who attended the leisure centre and is displaying and of the specified coronavirus symptoms, they are advised to stay off school and their parents should call 111 for advice.

The school’s full statement read: "You may be aware that there has been a confirmed case of Coronavirus at Andover Leisure Centre. We are following advice from Public Health England and School will be open as usual. However, if you or your children have attended the leisure centre this weekend and are displaying any of the listed symptoms, please stay off school and ring 111 for advice. After receiving the advice please contact school to update us.

“The symptoms are: A high temperature (an average temperature would between 36c-37c); a cough; shortness of breath.

“If you or your children have come into contact with anyone who has been at the leisure centre this weekend, please let the school office know.”

 

Andover CofE Primary School

Andover CofE are also advising people to keep their children at home and call 111 if they attended the leisure centre at the weekend.

A statement read: “Coronavirus at Andover Leisure Centre. If you have been there this weekend and have any of the identified symptoms please stay at home and call 111.”

 

Rookwood School

Rookwood School is advising that boarders and staff remain in the boarding house on Monday and avoid attending school after a “small group” attended the leisure centre on Saturday.

Monday’s breakfast club has also been cancelled, however the school stresses that these measures are “precautionary” and that there is “no evidence” that any boarders have been exposed to the virus.

The full statement read: “Parents may be aware that the Andover Leisure Centre has had to close temporarily due to a visitor on Saturday who has since been confirmed to have coronavirus.

“Unfortunately, a small group of boarders also attended Andover Leisure Centre on Saturday. Out of an abundance of caution and whilst the school obtains further advice from Public Health England, we are ensuring that the boarders and staff remain in the boarding house on Monday and do not attend school.

“This is purely a precautionary measure. There is no evidence that the boarders concerned have been exposed to the virus.

“Monday’s breakfast club in the boarding house has been cancelled, again as a precautionary measure.

“We advise any day pupils who attended Andover Leisure Centre on Saturday to also remain at home until we obtain further advice from PHE.

“We will provide further updates on Monday.”