A NUMBER of students at a Halstead school have been ordered to self-isolate following an outbreak of Covid-19.

The Ramsey Academy in Halstead has confirmed two year groups are being made work from home today (June 11).

Pupils from both the Year 8 and Year 10 year groups are the ones forced to stay home.

It comes after the school confirmed there have been two positive cases of the virus within the school.

Now, following advice from Public Health England, the school has also announced it is tracking down "close contacts" of the positive individuals.

These individuals will then be forced to self-isolate until June 21 but it is expected the other students will return on Monday, June 14.

The school say the positive cases were caught by a Lateral Flow Test but will now be confirmed by a PCR test.

If the PCR tests return negative, pupils will not be required to self-isolate.

Headteacher Rob James wrote to parents today.

He said: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there have been two cases of Covid-19 withn the school.

"The cases involve Year 8 and 10 students and as a precautionary measure we are asking these groups to remain at home on Friday, June 11 to self-isolate.

"We have followed the national guidance and are in the process of identifying and group of 'close contacts' .

"They will be informed separately and be asked to self-isolate until Monday, June 21.

"The close contact group of students will return to school on Tuesday, June 22.

"All other students return on Monday, June 14.

"The positive case was identified via a Lateral Flow Testing device and will now be confirmed using an PCR test.

"If the PCR test returns a negative result, students will not be required to self-isolate and can return to school. We will inform you if this is the case as soon as possible.

"Students are expected to complete revision or homework today and further details about online learning will be issued as required.

"We are asking you to do this to reduce further spread of Covid-19 to others in the community.

"If your child is in the 'close contact' group and is well at the end of the ten day period of self-isolation, then they can return to usual activities.

"Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the ten day self-isolation period.