Deep clean at Corby school after positive coronavirus test

A Corby school has closed until Monday after a person tested positive for coronavirus.

A deep clean is currently taking place at Corby Business Academy in Gretton Road, which is run by the Brooke Weston Trust, after the school was notified of the result last night.

It is the first positive test result to be confirmed in Corby. Official figures say there are 43 cases in Northamptonshire but the actual figure is believed to be much higher.

It is not known whether the individual is a member of staff or a pupil but in a letter to parents associate principal Simon Underwood said they had been in precautionary self-isolation since March 11.

He said: "After vulnerable groups were identified by the government, the individual concerned had been in precautionary self-isolation since Wednesday, March 11, due to underlying medical conditions and has not therefore been into the academy for two weeks.

"They were initially diagnosed on Sunday, March 22, and the test result was confirmed to us tonight.

"You will understand that we cannot disclose further details about the individual as we must maintain patient confidentiality."

Cases were also been confirmed at Southfield School in Kettering and a care home in Desborough earlier this month.

One death from the virus has also been confirmed at Kettering General Hospital.

All schools are currently closed for most pupils apart from children of 'key workers' and those identified as vulnerable.

Corby Business Academy will now be closed to all students and staff until Monday.

Mr Underwood said the safety of students and staff was their priority.

He added: "We have consulted Public Health England and the Department for Education.

"Following this, we are taking the precaution of closing Corby Business Academy to ALL students and staff on Thursday, March 26, and Friday, March 27, during which time we will carry out an deep clean, before re-opening to students of critical workers and those who meet the Department of Education’s ‘vulnerable’ definition on Monday, March 30."