Dozens of pupils self isolate after Hartlepool school confirms three coronavirus cases

A school has temporarily closed its sixth form for deep cleansing after three coronavirus cases were confirmed.
English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College's sixth form will temporarily close for deep cleansing after three coronavirus cases were confirmed.English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College's sixth form will temporarily close for deep cleansing after three coronavirus cases were confirmed.
English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College's sixth form will temporarily close for deep cleansing after three coronavirus cases were confirmed.

The sixth form, covering years 12 and 13 at English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College, in Catcote Road, Hartlepool, is expected to reopen on Thursday, September 24.

The rest of the school, covering years 7-11, is not affected by the measures and continues to operate as usual.

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Headteacher Stephen Hammond said in a statement on Tuesday, September 22, that he wanted to reassure parents that swift action had been taken as soon as the situation became apparent.

All three cases are connected to the same social group of friends and a total of 27 students identified as close contacts are currently self isolating.

A specialist company will carry out the deep clean on Wednesday, September 23, and the sixth form is expected to reopen the following day.

Mr Hammond said: “Due to the fact that all three confirmed cases relate to the same group of friends then we feel that a deep clean of the sixth form building is an appropriate response.”

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He also stressed that the school was able to continue operating due to the creation of five separate protective year group “bubbles” covering years 7-11 and another for years 12 and 13.

The total is still the second lowest out of 12 local authority areas throughout the region.

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