Hartlepool student tests negative for coronavirus follow school ski trip to Italy

The test was carried out after two schools, Dyke House Academy and Manor Community Academy, went on a skiing trip to Austria and Italy.

A member of staff was also tested for coronavirus on returning to the UK but also received a negative result.

The Dyke House Academy pupil is set to return to school on Monday, March 2.

A spokesman for the school said: “We can confirm that the student who was tested for coronavirus has had a negative result and is expected to be back in school on Monday.”

Tests were carried out after pupils and staff returned from a school ski trip.

Around 50 students, aged 12 to 16, and 11 staff from the schools went on the trip to Hermagor in southern Austria, for the trip over the February half term holiday.

The party made the short journey over the border to the town of Tarvisio in Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region in north-east Italy, close to the border with both Austria and Slovenia. They had a meal in Tarvisio.

Both Dyke House and Manor Community are part of the Northern Education Trust.

The academy confirmed it has been in contact with Public Health England ahead of the test results.

A trust spokesman said earlier in the week: “Public Health England has confirmed that the academy is following the correct procedures, in line with their guidance.”

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock MP has now confirmed that "population distancing measures", such as banning public gatherings and cancelling football matches, could be considered by the Government, while closing schools may be "necessary".

He said: "I'm not saying any of these are decisions we have taken but they are things we don't rule out."

The Department of Health and Social Care announced on Sunday every department will have a ministerial lead on the virus, and a cross-Whitehall "war room" is being set up to roll out an enhanced public information campaign.