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There have been 39 positive Covid cases in schools across Cheshire East, latest figures show.

And it has resulted in as many as 2,960 pupils and 123 staff having to self-isolate, says Cheshire East Council.

The figures, up to October 16, come as school staff “work tirelessly” to implement Public Health England Covid policies.

Primary and secondary schools in Nantwich, Shavington, Willaston, Wistaston and Tarporley have all had to send whole year groups home to isolate amid positive tests among pupils or teachers.

When a positive test is reported, staff have to investigate and identify those pupils who are deemed as “close contacts” of the person who is positive, and therefore must self-isolate for 14 days.

Cllr Kathryn Flavell, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “We continue to work very closely with all our schools and our public health team, when there is a suspected or positive case of coronavirus in a Cheshire East school.

“Schools and colleges receive public health guidance through a dedicated team, with a range of resources available to support communications with parents, carers and the school community.

“Where there is a positive case, we take swift action with school leaders to identify those that must isolate and at the same time ensure that remote education is in place to support pupils, not in school, including those who are most vulnerable.

“It is important we all play our part in complying with the legislation in order to reduce the risk of increased transmission of the virus and to help us to keep the school safe and reduce potential positive cases of pupils and staff.

“Schools have been working tirelessly over the last few months to ensure that the hygiene and social distancing measures are in place and the safety of pupils and school staff continues to be our priority.”

Education chiefs are now urging teachers, parents and students to minimise further cases during the half-term holidays next week.

Cllr Flavell added: “As we approach half term, we ask all school staff, parents and pupils to consider their social interactions during the school holidays and comply with the restrictions and guidance on hands, face and space.

“We know currently most transmission in Cheshire East is in the community and we need to minimise further possible cases in schools when children return.”

For more information visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus/education-and-childcare

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