A PRIMARY school is closed for two days after a pupil's family came into "direct contact" with two people who have coronavirus.

Garrett Hall Primary School in Tyldesley is shut today, Thursday, and tomorrow, Friday, when it will be given a "specialist deep clean" before reopening on Monday.

In a letter sent to parents and carers yesterday, Wednesday, the school said health authorities did not advise it to close but the school made the decision with consideration of the "duty of care" of pupils and staff.

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The letter states: "Today (Wednesday) I have been made aware that one of the families in our school community has been in direct contact with two people who are confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus.

"As soon as I was informed, as a precautionary measure, an agreement was made with the parent to keep the child off school from today (Wednesday) until there is a confirmation of the virus and allow them to follow the advice of Public Health England and the National Health Service.

"We have therefore taken the decision to close the school on Thursday 5th March and Friday 6th March to allow for a specialist deep clean and we will reopen on Monday.

"Please note, that at this stage, health authorities have not insisted the closure or cleaning of the school.

"This is our independent decision as a duty of care to our pupils and staff and to ensure that the welfare and wellbeing of our community remains our utmost priority.

"We are very aware of the impact of news of this nature on a community and it is not our intention to cause undue alarm."

Here is the letter:

Leigh Journal: