Positive Covid-19 case at NI secondary school

Lagan College, Belfast, issued a letter to parents stating a Year 14 student received a positive test result for the virus.

Principal Amanda McNamee said: “I have sought the most up-to-date advice from the Public Health Agency (PHA) who have advised that only those students in close proximity to the student should be sent home as a precautionary measure for 14 days from day of close contact – Tuesday, September 1.

“I am sending these specific families a more detailed letter containing further advice. At present all students and staff who have been affected have been notified in person by the school and have returned home. They will be moving to online learning for this period of time using Google Classroom and returning to school on Monday 14 September 2020, unless they display symptoms.”

Mrs McNamee said the school is deep cleaning the small number of classrooms affected.

She added: “Public Health has not advised that anybody else in the school community need to take further action at this stage.

“I do appreciate the concerns of parents, students and the wider school community but wish to reassure you that every precaution has been taken. Ensuring the safety of students and staff is my absolute priority and I will continue to monitor this situation carefully and keep you informed.”

Lagan College was Northern Ireland’s first integrated school and has holds 1,500-1,600 students.