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Coronavirus case forces latest Black Country school to close

A school has become the latest to temporarily close in the Black Country due to a positive coronavirus case.

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New Invention Junior School is closing for a deep clean after a positive case of coronavirus. Image: Google

New Invention Junior School, in New Invention, Willenhall, will be coming from tomorrow while a deep clean takes place.

Staff say they expect the school, in Cannock Road, to reopen next Monday.

Hateley Heath Primary School in West Bromwich closed after its business manager was diagnosed, while Halesowen College is staying open but students are being allowed to study from home after a positive case in its nursery.

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New Invention Junior School headteacher, Alan Pearson, said: "As a precautionary measure, due to the fact that we have one confirmed case of Coronavirus affecting the school, we have decided to close the school tomorrow, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in order to conduct a deep clean of the premises.

"The school intends to re-open on Monday 23 March.

"Please be assured that this is a precautionary measure only and a decision taken by the school following advice and consultation with the board of governors. If you wish to collect your child early today to self-isolate please contact the school to inform us so we can smoothly managed access to school.

"I’d like to reiterate that good hygiene is the best prevention for the spread of viruses and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family. Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and bin it.

"If you or a member of your family have flu-like symptoms you do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days, contact NHS 111 online.If you have no internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

"We will keep you updated by email."

The message on the school's website
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