Students isolating at Kettering school after Covid cases

Some pupils at Bishop Stopford School in Kettering are isolating after two students tested positive for Covid-19.

The cases, which were discovered last week, mirror the trend for the age group with the most positive tests in the county.

In the past four weeks more positive cases were found in 10 to 19-year olds, closely followed by 30 to 39-year olds.

This is thought to be a result of more testing amongst secondary school aged pupils, with large numbers of pupils engaging in the twice-weekly testing programme.

In a letter sent to parents, headteacher Jill Silverthorne said: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there have been two confirmed cases of Covid-19 within the school.

"We know that you may find this concerning, but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (Covid-19) will be a mild illness.

"The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 10 days."

Public Health officials recently praised Northamptonshire’s ‘good progress’ as Covid-19 cases and infection rates per 100,000 decreased in all districts and boroughs but urged residents to ‘keep going’ as the rates across the county remain significantly higher than or similar to the national average.

Residents are being urged to continue to get tested with symptoms and without. Everyone in Northamptonshire, and across England, is now able to access free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing. This includes those who do not have symptoms. The lateral flow tests are available for home use or at test centres, workplaces and schools. Results take as little as 30 minutes.

Lucy Wightman, joint director of Public Health for the North and West Northamptonshire Councils, said: “We have to continue to work together more than ever to reduce numbers of cases so that we are in line or better still lower than the national average.

“Although restrictions are easing, it is imperative that we continue to abide by the guidelines and follow the rules. We need to follow the mantra ‘Hands. Face. Space. Fresh Air’ as we go about our daily lives, get our first or second dose of the vaccination when called, get tested regularly and isolate immediately if the result is positive. It is within our gift and only our gift to stop the virus from taking hold again."

The county’s community-based testing sites, as well as being a collection point for test kit orders, are at Lodge Park Sports Centre in Corby, Danes Camp Leisure Centre in Northampton, Brackley Leisure Centre in South Northants, Redwell Leisure Centre in Wellingborough and Daventry Leisure Centre in Daventry. A “pop-up” centre is now open at Hall Park, Rushden Hall, the first of its kind within Northamptonshire. In addition, a new site was launched this week at North Pavilion Drive, Kettering. Hazelwood Neighbourhood Centre in Corby is open for collections.

For how to access Covid-19 testing in Northamptonshire click here.