HEALTH Secretary Matt Hancock has backed a Leigh school’s decision to stay open after a pupil’s father tested positive for coronavirus.

Mr Hancock spoke after Belfairs Academy told parents the father had contracted Covid-19 and the family was self-isolating following advice from Public Health England Mr Hancock, in an interview with the BBC, backed the school and stressed it has acted correctly by remaining open to students.

He said: “That is exactly what the public health advice says should happen.

“Of course, when someone tests positive they should be isolated and that’s what’s happened.”

He added: “This is what the science says is the right thing to do – the school can remain open because the people who have tested positive are not there.

“That means that as much as possible, life can carry on for everyone else while protecting them and everyone else.”

Mr Hancock said making sure the school is safe and clean is essential as well as supporting anyone contracting the virus.

Southend Council initially said it was unaware of the Covid-19 case on Friday morning, but later issued a statement confirming the case.

Bosses moved to reassure residents over the diagnosis.

The council said the family involved “acted responsibly”

and is in self-isolation, following the advice of NHS 111 and Public Health England.

Trevor Harp, the council’s cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “This case of coronavirus in the borough is not unexpected.

“We fully anticipated this 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 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 on to, like door handles and lift buttons, is also sensible.”