Oasis Academy Skinner Street in Gillingham closes to five year groups after Covid-19 case
20:45, 24 November 2020
updated: 20:51, 24 November 2020
Children in five year groups at a primary school have been sent home to self-isolate due to a Covid-19 case.
Pupils at Oasis Academy Skinner Street in Gillingham were sent home yesterday morning after a positive case was reported.
The school said in an announcement to parents it is closing as a "precautionary measure".
All classes in Reception to Year 4 will now work remotely online from home.
Years 5 and 6 are still being taught in school, the school said.
The closure is in place for 14 days with the school planning to reopen to all years again on December 7.
It follows calls for education chiefs to consider a "circuit-breaker" for schools throughout the Towns to curb the spread of the virus.
More than half of Medway's 101 schools have reported at least one coronavirus case and three of the area's secondary schools closed completely in the past week.
Some 4,000 children are now being taught remotely.
The infection rate in Medway is now at its highest at 398.5 per 100,000 with more than 1,100 cases in seven days to November 18, according to latest data.
Parents have been advised to get their child a coronavirus test if they begin showing symptoms while in self-isolation and to following the government guidelines.
Even if the test returns a negative result the person should remain in self-isolation for 14 days in line with government rules as they could still develop symptoms during this period.
Head teacher Victoria Richmond wrote to parents today and shared a range of frequently asked questions on its Facebook page relating to their child's time in self-isolation.
Children eligible for free school meals requiring a food parcel should contact the school office before 11am to arrange a collection time.
Contact office@oasisskinnerstreet.org to organise free school meal arrangements.
