Coronavirus: Borough school CLOSED until next week after suspected Covid-19 case

Fred Longworth High School, in Tyldesley, was closed for a deep clean today (March 17) after finding that "at least one of its students" is suspected of having contracted the virus.

The school said it will reopen on Monday, March 23, unless it is instructed to remain closed.

In a letter published on the school's Facebook, headteacher Janet Garretts, said: "This decision has been taken because we believe that at least one of our students is suspected of having contracted the virus.

"Whilst there is very strong evidence that this is the case, we cannot absolutely confirm it because people are not being tested unless they are hospitalised.

"ln the context of a school environment, where students are in large numbers and in very close contact with one another, we cannot take the risk of remaining open without a thorough deep clean."

Mrs Garretts apologised for any inconvenience and disruption caused but said the decision was taken at "very short notice" after it had been made aware of the situation just before 8am.

She said: "I strongly believe, however, that the health and safety of our students, our staff and their families is of paramount importance. lt is simply not acceptable that the lack of testing makes it impossible for us to know whether or not someone with symptoms has, in fact, contracted the virus.

"I hope you will understand that this precautionary measure has been taken with your child's safety in mind and that it is better to err on the side of caution in these unprecedented times.

"ln order to minimise the effect of this closure on students' learning, work will be set on a daily basis either through Show My Homework or Office 365.

"Links to these tools are available on the school website, together with reminders to students of how to use them. These channels will also be used for regular communication between staff and students.

"ln order to structure their learning, we strongly suggest that students follow their timetabled lessons. We also strongly suggest that Year 11 students use the time productively to revise."

She added: "I must stress that the measure we have taken is precautionary and we are confident that, after our deep clean, we will be able to reopen as scheduled.

"Thank you for your understanding in these difficult and challenging times."