CHILDREN in two schools are isolating after a pupil and a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

St Helens Borough Council has confirmed that 56 children from Wargrave Church of England Primary School in Newton-le-Willows have been sent home today.

The school took action after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

READ > Public health boss has this message as coronavirus cases rise

Subsequently, two classes of Year 2 children are isolating along with two members of staff.

It comes just days after a pupil at St James’ Church of England Primary School in Haydock tested positive for coronavirus.

A council spokesman confirmed that a bubble of 25 children in Year 3, and staff, have been sent home. Staff are awaiting test results.

A spokesman for St Helens Borough Council said: “We have been made aware that a pupil at St James’ Church of England Primary School in Haydock has tested positive to Covid-19.

“Children and staff within the bubble have been sent home and staff in that bubble are awaiting test results.

“The council will work closely with Public Health England and partners to ensure measures are in place to make the school secure.”

St Helens Star: St James’ Church of England Primary School in Haydock St James’ Church of England Primary School in Haydock

The situation at Wargrave Primary and St James’ comes amid a sharp rise in new coronavirus infections in St Helens over the past week, although hospital admissions remain low.

In the past two days alone, 51 new cases have been added to the cumulative total for St Helens by Public Health England, with 32 new cases added today.

Newton-le-Willows is the worst affected area in the borough, with Haydock also an area of concern.

Sue Forster, director of public health; and Jo Davies, assistant director, education, early help and children’s health, have written a letter to parents in Newton-le-Willows informing them of the rise.

“We want to let you know that we have seen a sudden increase in the number of Covid-19 infections in St Helens generally but with a concentration around the Newton-le-Willows/Haydock area,” the letter says.

“We have to take immediate action now to take control of these cases before there is a wider impact on communities, which could result in restrictions being put in place.

“The spread in the area is mainly in the 16-30 age range, but more people across age ranges are now testing positive so it is important that all of us stay safe and continue to practise Covid-19 safe behaviour.”

On Wednesday, ward councillors from Newton, Earlestown and Haydock were briefed on the situation by Kath O’Dwyer, chief executive of the council.

Following this meeting, Cllr David van der Burg, Green councillor for Haydock, posted an update on Facebook.

Cllr Van der Burg said: “We have gone from doing very well, to almost the same rate of infection as Bolton which is in special measures, in just one week.

“Next week’s figures are likely to be worse. In Haydock almost all the cases are in the estates off Haydock Lane South.

“The large majority of cases are in the 18-29 year age group at present.

“As we know, young people do not generally have severe illness from Covid, and indeed there are currently only two people in Whiston Hospital with it, neither of them on a ventilator.

“However the young can of course infect their parents, grandparents, teachers and lecturers. They may have friends in vulnerable groups.”

The council believes a combination of factors has led to the spike, including people socialising over the bank holiday weekend and people returning from holiday with the virus and spreading it to other people in the area.

Residents in the Newton-le-Willows and Haydock area are being advised to take extra caution and to try to restrict their contact with others.

Members of the public are also encouraged to continue to follow all guidance on social distancing, hand washing, keeping distance and wearing face masks.

St Helens Star:

Cllr Van der Burg added: “If you’re lucky enough to be young and healthy, please think about your older family members.

“I appreciate this has been an awful year, and it’s completely natural to want to get together and have fun, but if we gather in large groups (more than 6 will be illegal from next Monday), without social distancing, the use of masks and inadequate hygiene, this virus will be out of control again in no time.

“People will start dying again in large numbers, and lockdown will start again.

“Please therefore be as responsible as possible, difficult though these times are.”

READ > Coronavirus infection rate rockets in Newton-le-Willows

Testing is available to book online or by calling 119, although there are capacity issues at  Haydock Park Racecourse. 

If you are unsuccessful booking a test, the council recommends waiting a few hours and trying to rebook later in the day.

For more advice, particularly if you need support with food and medicine or if you need to isolate, click here.

Alternatively call St Helens Contact Cares on 01744 676767.

To view the new Government guidance, click here.