Coronavirus: Northfleet Technology College pupil asked to stay at home
21:19, 02 March 2020
updated: 13:54, 04 March 2020
Parents are being told not to panic after a schoolboy could have come into contact with someone exposed to the coronavirus.
Northfleet Technology College today confirmed one of its pupils is being kept in isolation as a precaution.
It comes as a business at Maidstone Studios confirmed one of its staff had tested positive for the deadly condition - Kent's first case of Covid-19.
In a letter to parents, the school's head teacher Jane Partridge said: "I have been informed today that one of our students has been within the vicinity of a child, outside of school, whose parent has been diagnosed with coronavirus.
"Neither the child, nor our student, currently have any symptoms.
"However, as a precaution, our student has gone home to self-isolate and is seeking further medical guidance.
"We are in contact with Kent County Council and are following the DFE & Public Health England advice, which currently recommends maintaining good personal hygiene and monitoring for symptoms as detailed in this link.
"All students will be reminded in the morning about appropriate ways of protecting themselves.
"At this moment in time there is no need for the school to close or for students to remain at home..."
"Should you require any further information please contact your GP surgery and/’or NHS 111 helpline.
"At this moment in time there is no need for the school to close or for students to remain at home."
Earlier today, the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Faversham emailed parents to advise a family member of some of its pupils has tested positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, the shelves have been cleared of hand sanitiser in shops near Maidstone Studios where Kent's first coronavirus case has been recorded.
Elsewhere, a number of pupils at a Kent school are in isolation and a Kent theatre cancelled a stage show tonight as tests are carried out on cast members linked to the case.
