FLINTSHIRE Council says pupils and staff identified as "close contacts" of a high school student who tested positive for coronavirus are now self-isolating.

The Leader reported on Thursday that Castell Alun High School in Hope became Flintshire's sixth school this week to register a positive coronavirus case after a Year 7 student tested positive.

The school, which became the first high school in Flintshire to register a case, remains open.

Claire Homard, Flintshire Council's chief officer education and youth, said: “The county council has been informed of and is advising on a confirmed case of Covid-19 at Castell Alun High School.

"The school has followed all the appropriate protocols and engaged with the NHS Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) Team and the Council’s Environmental Health Team.

“Pupils and staff identified as close contacts of the confirmed case have been informed and are now self-isolating for 14 days in line with national guidance. This advice relates only to two tutor groups in Year 7 at the current time.

“The school remains open and it is not necessary for any other child to self-isolate, stay away from school or to be tested, unless they are advised to do so by the TTP team or if they develop symptoms of Covid-19.

"Parents are encouraged to remain calm but vigilant and not send their child to school if they are unwell. If a parent believes their child is showing symptoms of Covid-19 they should book a test by going to https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test”