23/06/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Statement on COVID-19 outbreak at Minsterley Primary School 

Related topics: Children's services / Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

Shropshire Council is working with Public Health England (West Midlands) following confirmation of a small number of COVID-19 cases linked to a primary school in Minsterley. 

The outbreak follows a significant increase in cases in the county over the last month due to the Delta variant, first identified in India. 

Following confirmation of several cases, Minsterley Primary School has closed from today (Wednesday 23 June 2021) for at least a week. Home learning will be set for all pupils and parents have been informed. 

The decision to close the school is due to the numbers of staff needing to self-isolate, affecting the school’s ability to operate safely. 

The school has undertaken all COVID-19-secure measures in line with Government and Shropshire Council guidelines and health protection advice. 

Additional Lateral Flow Tests have been sent to the school and we encourage all staff and parents to test for seven days from today. 

Shropshire Council’s Community Reassurance Team will be based at the primary school tomorrow (Thursday 24 June) from 10.30am to 2.30pm to hand out testing kits to staff, parents and the public. This is also an opportunity for people to ask any questions about coronavirus/COVID-19 or raise any questions and concerns. 

The public can also pick up tests from one of more than 70 locations across Shropshire. The Government advises that adults and secondary school pupils without symptoms should test twice a week at home. 

1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms and can spread the virus unknowingly. 

To find your nearest test collection-point, click here.  

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:    

 “As elsewhere in the country we have seen a steady increase in cases, mainly of the Delta variant, across Shropshire, and local outbreaks such as this are not unexpected during a pandemic.   

“Contact tracing is underway and if anyone is identified as a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, a contact advisor from NHS Test and Trace will be in touch with appropriate advice.   

 “We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England: this is another reminder for people to follow the current COVID-19 guidelines to help prevent the spread of the virus.”    

Further information   

  • You should continue to follow the guidance even if you have been vaccinated.   
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result please do not leave your home and self-isolate immediately. For more guidance click here   
  • People without symptoms of COVID-19 should test twice a week – find out more here    
  • The NHS will contact you when your vaccination is ready or to find out if you are already eligible click here.  Please note all 18 to 39-year olds across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are now able to go to a walk-in COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine clinic (for their first dose only). The walk-in clinics make it easier and more convenient for eligible people who haven’t had their vaccine to come forward. The clinics aim to boost COVID-19 vaccine uptake across the county. Find out more here: https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/2021/06/vaccination-clinics-walk-in-pfizer/ 
  • Indoor gatherings are limited to 6 people or 2 households   
  • Face masks should be worn in indoor settings unless you are exempt 
  • Remain cautious when meeting with people outside your bubble   
  • Follow the hands-face-space-fresh air guidance   
  • Continue to work from home if you can.