Schools in Bromley record cases of coronavirus

By Lachlan Leeming, Local Democracy Reporter

Bromley council has reiterated calls for members of the public to do their best to help halt the spread of coronavirus, as schools around the borough recorded coronavirus cases in their first week back.

Kemnal Technology College in Sidcup and Red Hill Primary School in Chislehurst both confirmed they had recorded positive coronavirus cases among their staff or students.

Headteacher at Red Hill Primary School, Nicola Crockatt, confirmed on Thursday a member of the school community tested positive for Covid-19 the week prior.

“They were asymptomatic and the individual was undertaking routine testing as part of the National Office of Statistics,” Ms Crockatt said.

“The school identified all close contacts of the individual who were asked to isolate for 14 days and were advised to book a test if they began to show symptoms of Covid-19 themselves.

“Home education commenced immediately for the children who are now isolating. We look forward to welcoming them back to school once the isolation period is complete.”

It came in the same week as Kemnal Tech College confirmed a Year 10 student had received a positive coronavirus result.

In a letter to parents, the college said plans for teaching in “year group bubbles” was done in preparation for the scenario.

All students in Year 10 were subsequently told to work from home while the school awaited further guidance from Public Health England.

Earlier last week London South East Colleges confirmed a member of staff at their Bromley campus had tested positive for Covid-19.

The college encouraged students, as long as they were well, to continue attending, and confirmed it wouldn’t shut any of its campuses.

As of September 11, the entire borough of Bromley had recorded 1,711 total cases of Covid-19.

While rates remain low in Bromley, the borough has experienced a rise in cases, mirroring the situation across London.

Elmers End, with nine active diagnosed cases, has the most cases of any Bromley borough wards.

It led to Bromley Council reiterating basic measures to combat the virus this week – regularly washing hands, wearing a face covering, and keeping a two-metre distance from others as best as possible.

If you have symptoms – including a continuous cough, high temperature, or a change in or loss of smell and taste – stay at home and visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 to book a test.