Cornwall Council’s public health team says it is working with Mawnan C of E VA Primary school following four positive cases of COVID-19.

As a precaution the school has taken the decision to close on Thursday and Friday to carry out a deep clean, with all students moving to a high-quality online learning platform. The school will reopen to all pupils after the Christmas break.

It is not clear if the cases are in pupils or staff.

Headteacher at Mawnan C of E VA Primary school, Jilly Pridmore said: “It’s never an easy decision to close a school, but we have implemented our home learning plans, which have included Christmas treats and a number of live virtual lessons. I would like to thank the parents, children and our school staff for their support and dedication.”

Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall Council said: “The school has taken the difficult decision to close temporarily to ensure the safety of staff, pupils and families. Whilst we know that this may cause childcare issues with children at home unexpectedly, this decision has not been taken lightly.

“The school reacted quickly and responsibly to the confirmed cases and implemented a robust COVID action plan. Our teams will continue to work with them to provide advice and guidance in line with our Local Outbreak Management Plan.

“You or your child need only book a test if you develop one of the three main COVID symptoms: a new continuous cough - that is a cough that lasts for more than an hour, or three coughing sessions in 24 hours - a high temperature (this does not need to be measured but feeling hot on the chest or back) or a change to or loss of taste or smell.”

You can book a test online on the gov.uk website, or if you don’t have access to the internet please call 119.