PARENTS and pupils of Mount Carmel School in Accrington were told earlier tonight of another positive coronavirus test result. 

On the school website, it said that a Year 9 pupil had been diagnosed with the virus. 

Headteacher Xavier Bowers said: "As a precautionary measure all pupils in Year 9 should stay at home tomorrow (Monday 14 September). 

"Apologies for the late notice but I have been waiting for advice from Public Health NW.  

"This is now the second confirmed COVID-19 case at school. 

"As you are aware, all pupils in Y7 stayed at home on Friday 11 September as a precautionary measure.

"This was because late on Thursday night we were made aware that a pupil in Y7 had tested positive for COVID-19.

"All pupils in Y7 were set work to do at home using our ‘Show my Homework’ (SMH) learning platform, while pupils in all other year groups continued to work safely at school.

"If any Y7 pupil had difficulty using the SMH facility, please will you contact school and we will resolve the issue as soon as possible. 

"Late on Friday we were advised by Public Health NW that all pupils who have been in direct contact with the Y7 pupil who has tested positive, must now stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days.
 

"Tomorrow we will be sending a follow up letter with further information from the North West Health Protection Team to the parents of the pupils in Y7, Y8 and Y9 who reported having had direct contact either inside or outside of school with the pupil in Y7 who tested positive.

" If your child is affected, then a member of school staff would have contacted you on Friday and your child was sent home from school as a precaution.

"We have been asked by Public Health England to contact all parents of affected pupils tomorrow, to ensure that parents and pupils understand how important it is that government guidelines are strictly followed at home and in the community at all times.

"All pupils not affected in Y7, Y8, Y10 and Y11 should return to school tomorrow (Monday 14 September) as normal.

"Once again thank you for your patience and understanding with this matter and I will endeavour to keep you informed as best as I can as we all live through this pandemic.  

"In the meantime, please ensure your children are safe by always following government guidelines at home and in the community."