Younger pupils at Somersfield Academy switched to remote learning today after a possible exposure at the school to someone who tested positive for the coronavirus.

They joined secondary students who moved to virtual classes at the beginning of this week.

A letter from the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit told parents and staff that the health team was “aware of a potential exposure at Somersfield Academy to someone confirmed with Covid-19”.

It said: “The person confirmed with Covid-19 has been isolated, ESU is contacting confirmed close contacts who are being advised that they must quarantine – stay home and away from other activities – and be tested for Covid-19.

“A full assessment will be completed by our public health officers.”

The letter added: “Following the assessment, communication will be provided by the Ministry of Health on any further recommended public health measures such as quarantine and testing.

“The ESU encourages you to watch for any symptoms of Covid-19.”

Carlos Symonds, the head of school, said: “Please note that our secondary division moved to remote learning on Monday and the primary division has now moved to remote learning for the remaining three days of the term.

“We await recommendations resulting from the Department of Health’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit’s investigation into a possible exposure within the school.

“The health and safety of our school community remains our foremost priority.”

A message shared on social media suggested that the potential exposure was linked to classes in the school’s lower primary division.

It added that “the volume of recent interactions within the school has been limited”.

The Ministry of Health has been contacted for comment.