St Martin’s School in Caerphilly, Wales, is to close for a short ‘firebreak’ following a ‘significant outbreak of flu-like illness’ which has impacted hundreds of pupils and staff
A school in Wales is to temporarily close following an outbreak of an illness which has impacted hundreds of pupils and staff.
More than 250 people from St Martin’s School in Caerphilly have fallen ill. Head teacher Lee Jarvis wrote to parents to say the school would shut for a short “firebreak” period to allow a deep clean, with online learning in place.
He wrote that it followed “a significant outbreak of flu-like illness”. Symptoms reported by pupils and staff include vomiting, high temperatures, fatigue, cough, diarrhoea and headaches.
In total, there’s 242 pupils affected, and 12 staff members. The school has indicated it aims to re-open on December 9, but said the situation “would be monitored”. The letter advised parents to keep children at home if they showed any symptoms, even mild ones, North Wales live reports.
READ MORE: Police searching for missing man seen in CCTV issue tragic updateREAD MORE: Met Office tells Brits in 49 areas to prepare essentials on three days next week
Public Health Wales told the BBC it had been in contact with the school. It stated the school had carried out its own risk assessment, and took the decision on its own accord.
Mr Jarvis said: “Over the past week, we have experienced a significant outbreak of flu-like illness among pupils and staff. At present, 242 pupils and 12 staff members are unable to attend due to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, cough, headache, fatigue, and general flu-like effects. The average recovery period appears to be around seven days.
“Following advice from Public Health Wales, we will be temporarily closing the school to allow a short ‘firebreak’ period, reduce further transmission, and complete a deep clean of the building.”
