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Multiple pupils at same school test positive for COVID-19 ‘after group holiday to Zante’

The pupils all go to Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School in Buckinghamshire. (Wikipedia)
Multiple pupils at Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School in Buckinghamshire have tested positive for coronavirus. (Wikipedia)

A secondary school in Buckinghamshire has delayed a full reopening after multiple pupils tested positive for coronavirus.

The students, who attend Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School, had reportedly been on a group holiday and tested positive for the virus on their return, along with some family members.

The affected teenagers, who are believed to be in the school’s sixth form, are now self-isolating after they were contacted by test and trace staff.

As a result of the positive tests, the school will now have a staggered start to allow the older pupils to complete their self-isolation period, according to Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for education and skills Anita Cranmer.

She said: “The school is clean and safe to return to and there will be a staggered start to the school year with the older students returning slightly later to allow pupils to complete the self-isolation period.

“Public Health England are actively investigating these cases and have traced contacts to ensure that they are aware of the need to self-isolate.”

Full opening of the school will now be put back until Thursday 10 September.

The Bucks Free Press quoted a parent who said the affected teenagers were part of a group of around 60 students from the school who visited the Greek island of Zante in August.

Holiday firm TUI has cancelled all trips to a party resort on the island following reports that six clusters of cases were linked to flights from the island.

The Scottish government has already announced a compulsory 14-day quarantine of all travellers arriving from Greece.

A newsletter from headteacher Kay Mountfield sent to parents on Friday informed them of the delayed opening, according to the Maidenhead Advertiser.

ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE - JULY 15: Tourist mainly from United Kingdom and Italy are guest on Zakinthos Island on July 15, 2020 in Zakynthos, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
Tourists eat at a restaurant on Zante. (Getty)

The newsletter reportedly asks parents and students “to be vigilant in monitoring their health through these last weeks of the holiday”.

The head added: "I would like to emphasise to all students and families the importance of observing the guidelines on social distancing, gathering with others and on isolation as appropriate.”

Yahoo News UK has contacted Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School for a comment.

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