A pupil and parent at a primary school in Borehamwood have tested positive for coronavirus, a head teacher has confirmed.

Parkside Community Primary School in Aycliffe Road has been temporarily closed to allow a deep clean of the site.

In a message to parents and carers on the school's website, head teacher Charles Soyka said: "I am writing to inform you that a pupil and a parent who has been inside our school has tested positive for coronavirus.

"This means you and your children may have inadvertently been in contact with someone who has coronavirus.

"Following national advice I need to ask you to call 111 to get bespoke advice as you may be required to self-isolate.

"I can confirm if you need to self-isolate your child will be marked as absent with permission. I will require a written confirmation if this is the case.

"Please continue with all the NHS best practice guidance regarding hand hygiene and look on www.gov.uk/coronavirus for the most up to date information.

"The school will close for thorough cleaning on Wednesday and will re-open on Friday March 20.

"We will put any further information or updates live on our website and communicate via our email/text system.

"I would ask at this very difficult and stressful time we continue to remain calm and support one another."

Mr Soyka has added that a member of staff at the school is self-isolating for two weeks after coming into contact with someone who tested positive, but said the staff member was no displaying any symptoms.

As of 9am yesterday (Tuesday), 36 cases of coronavirus had been identified by the NHS in Hertfordshire.

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