AN ANDOVER primary school will be closed at the start of next week as one person has tested positive for coronavirus.

Hatherden Church of England Primary School has confirmed a member of their school community has tested positive for the disease.

On advice from Public Health England, the school will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday while staff members await their test results.

In a joint letter to parents, headteacher Mrs Bracken and chair of governors Mr Main writes: “We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school.

“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 will be a mild illness.

“Unfortunately, the school will be closed on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 as a small number of staff members have been identified as contacts and will be required to be tested for COVID 19 and self-isolate until they receive the results. The school will be in touch as soon as we have any news regarding re-opening.”

It comes just hours after a student at Harrow Way Community School in Andover tested positive for the illness.

According to latest figures, 16 per cent of schools in England have had to send pupils home to self-isolate after being in contact with individuals with coronavirus.

The latest advice, included in the letter to parents at Hatherden School, instructs parents to keep their children home if they develop symptoms of Covid-19.

Symptoms The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• a new continuous cough

• a high temperature

• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia) For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

Official advices states that if your child or anyone in the household does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111.