School communities hit by COVID-19 virus

A number of schools in the Portadown and Craigavon area have been affected by the COVID-19 virus.
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In statements both Clounagh Junior High School and Millington Primary School said members of their respective communities had tested positive.

Principal of Clounagh Junior High School Mr Raymond Hill said: “I wish to inform you that a member of the school community has tested positive for COVID-19. Public Health Agency advice has meant pupils and staff in this bubble will not be in school for 14 days. (All families who were affected have been contacted individually. However, all families within school have received a text message informing them of the positive case).”

Heather Murray, principal of Millington PS said a member of their school community had tested positive: “COVID-19 has meant a new normal in our schools. Our Millington school community has been fabulous in helping us to get our children back to school safely so they can continue their education. Our classes are operating a very strict bubble strategy and do not interact with each other. We also operate a staggered start and finish time to ensure social distancing. Additional health and safety measures have also been put in place.

“Unfortunately a member of Millington Primary School community has tested positive for COVID-19. We have sought the most recent advice from the Public Health Agency (PHA) and are following their procedures. For example, the classroom has been closed, has undergone an enhanced clean and pupils are now isolating. The class teacher is providing online learning for those affected. All other areas around the school were unaffected and all other classrooms remained open. “We appreciate the concerns of parents, pupils and the wider school community. As a school we wish to reassure them that every precaution has been taken. Ensuring the safety of pupils and staff remains our absolute priority.”