SOUTHEND Council has confirmed the parent of a child enrolled at Belfairs Academy is a resident in the town.

This morning, an email was sent to parents at the school informing them of the news.

While the parent has tested positive, the pupil enrolled at the school has not.

The school will remain open and the affected family are self-isolating. 

Trevor Harp, Southend Council cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “These new cases of coronavirus are not unexpected. We fully anticipate an increase in numbers which is why our services have planned for, and are ready, for this situation.

“I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low at this time and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is working with Public Health England colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of the borough are protected.

“Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms.

"Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms, which is why it is important to help protect ourselves and each other.

“Following Government guidance to take basic hygiene precautions remains the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands. We should do this all day every day as we should for flu.

“Good regular cleaning with normal detergent of surfaces people touch regularly or may cough onto, like door handles and lift buttons, is also sensible. Please visit https://gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest advice and information.”