It has been reported that six schools within Harrow have confirmed cases of COVID-19.
This week it has emerged that primary and secondary schools in Harrow have sent pupils, and in some cases entire year groups home after positive cases of Coronavirus have been detected.
Harrow Council are aware of six schools that have had positive tests of COVID-19. The full list of schools has not been disclosed at this time.
Longfield Primary School in Rayners Lane informed parents that a pupil at the school was advised to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus.
Glebe Primary School in Kenton had two confirmed cases. In a letter sent to parents, the school confirmed that they are following national guidance from Public Health England.
Park High School in Stanmore also sent a letter to parents advising them of a positive case of the virus.
A spokesperson for Harrow Council said: “The impact ranges from sending a handful of individuals (pupils and staff) home immediately to self-isolate to individual classes, and whole/or partial year groups.
“Each school immediately sought advice from Public Health England’s London Coronavirus Response Centre (LCRC) and followed the guidance provided including advising which students and staff should self-isolate immediately and carrying out thorough cleans”.
On the Harrow Online Group on Facebook, people have been commenting on the situation.
One person said: “So I’m wondering if the best solution to protect our children as well as provide them with an education is that study from home becomes an option for those who can.. this would reduce the risk of infection, for parents who can not work from home schools should remain open? Just a suggestion… Children are our future.. and as much as us adults are also affected children are not self sufficient… They need to be taken care of when unwell… Which poses a risk to others around them… Face coverings for the younger children whilst not a requirement should be optional if the child wishes to wear it.. my son has serious anxiety about Covid-19 and I’d appreciate if this was a option.. would put my mind at ease slightly…”
Another person said: “I’m assuming that the people saying the whole school should self-isolate for 14 days don’t BOTH have kids and work a full-time job. Imagine two kids in Y1 testing positive and your kid in Y5 (who has had no contact with Y1) has to stay at home and self-isolate for 2 weeks. And if they self isolate then so do you, and your partner (if you have one) and your other kids (if you have any) as there’s no point in your child isolating on their own when the point of isolation is so that they don’t spread it to other household members who then go out and spread it themselves.
“The schools have done a pretty good job of keeping kids separate in my opinion. My girl’s school has staggered start and finish times for each year, different entrances for each class, staggered meal times, not allowed to mix with other bubbles at lunch or play time – I think they’ve done a really good job in the circumstances. My niece is in Y1 and my daughter in Y5 – my girl just about caught a glimpse of her cousin yesterday let alone was able to speak to or approach her.
“Agreed that the kids who have had contact with the infected ones should isolate.”
