DOZENS of pupils are isolating as six schools in Hampshire have reported new cases of coronavirus.

Orchard Infant School, Dibden Purlieu; Bedenham Primary School, Gosport; Henry Tyndale School, Farnborough; Swanmore Primary School, Swanmore; and Woodcroft Primary School, Waterlooville, all have confirmed cases of the virus.

A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said yesterday (Thursday): There are 534 maintained and academy schools in Hampshire and, of these, the county council has received notification of five incidents to date (17 September 2020).

"At three schools a member of staff has tested positive for coronavirus. In those cases, there had been no contact with any pupils and, therefore, the schools remained open.

“At each of the other two schools, with one case confirmed as positive, the class bubbles are self-isolating for two weeks – 10 school days – and pupils are being taught remotely during this time.

“We can confirm that the schools sought Public Health England (PHE) advice from the outset and followed their guidance in managing the incidents.”

The authority has since been made aware that one person has tested positive for coronavirus at Oakmoor School in Bordon.

This has resulted in a bubble of 20 people needing to self-isolate for 14 days.

“Students who are self-isolating will continue their education during that time via remote learning. The school remains open for all year groups,” the spokesperson added.

Yesterday the headteacher of Swanmore Church of England Primary School, contacted parents to inform them that a child in Year 1 has been diagnosed with the virus.

Sixty children and five members of staff are now isolating as they are part of the pupil’s ‘bubble’.