A Hertfordshire case has been confirmed as being in Letchworth.

Woolgrove School Special Needs Academy in Letchworth sent a message out to parents and carers yesterday explaining that a parent tested positive for coronavirus.

Two other cases have been confirmed in Harpenden and Stevenage.

Headteacher of Woolgrove School Lisa Hall said: “I can confirm that the appropriate authorities have informed me that a parent of a child at my school has been tested positive for the coronavirus. I have been advised that the family concerned are currently following the advice of Public Health England and have self-isolated.

"On the advice of Hertfordshire County Council and Public Health England I am keeping the school open. I ensured that the necessary thorough cleaning was carried out, as we do daily, and will ensure we continue to follow the Public Health England guidelines on hygiene.”

In the email sent to parents, which has been seen by the Observer, it said: "We have been made aware that a parent at the school has tested positive for the coronavirus.

"The school is following the national guidance which has been provided on this matter.

"The school has been liasing with Hertfordshire County Council who have sought advice from Public Health England."

Yesterday morning, East and North Hertfordshire Trust NHS released a statement that a clinician at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, had tested positive for coronavirus.

However, the trust has since given an update which says the test is now negative.

It was confirmed today that there are now 51 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK out of 13,911 tests.