Three Test Valley Schools were hit by Covid-19 cases this week as numbers continue to fluctuate across the borough.

Icknield School, on River Way, and Norman Gate School, on Vigo Road, both reported to Hampshire County Council that they had confirmed a positive test on Monday, October 19, while Test Valley School in Stockbridge confirmed the same the following day.

All schools remained open following the positive test results.

The confirmed cases follow others earlier this month in Test Valley, including Stockbridge Primary School on October 8, which caused it to close temporarily. Other affected schools reporting Covid-19 included Harrow Way and Hatherden on October 10, and Winton Community Academy on October 15.

The reports coming from schools follow a mixed week for figures across the whole borough. A general downward trend continued at the start of the week, with nine cases on Monday falling to zero on Tuesday. However, the data for yesterday, Wednesday, October 22, shows that there were 22 cases in Test Valley, with results for today yet to be released at time of writing.

Elsewhere in Hampshire, a positive Covid-19 result has also been confirmed at Overton Primary School, where students in the year group bubble of the infected pupil told to self isolate.

In a statement, Icknield School said: "As you maybe aware we have had confirmed positive Covid-19 cases in six members of staff and two FE students. The staff members work in Banjo, FE and Triangle classes. By Tuesday we had only half a school left but the bubble system protected the rest of the students and pupils."

"People sent home have to isolate themselves for 14 days. If you are at home and develop symptoms you should be tested. We request that all results are communicated to us only on the school telephone—01264 365297. The phone has an answering machine and we will listen to your message. Only people who were in direct contact with the positive cases need to isolate—this does not mean your household has to isolate unless someone within your household develops symptoms.

"If you do not have symptoms, do not get tested. The result tells you nothing and you are using up resources needed by other people who may genuinely need it. This will continue for the foreseeable future so be prepared for more disruption. Follow safe practice and keep everyone in the Icknield family as safe as you can."

Norman Gate School and Test Valley School declined to comment.