A SOMERSET school which was closed after a teacher tested positive for coronavirus is welcoming students and staff back today.

Hinton St George School, between Ilminster and Crewkerne, was shut for a week following the confirmed case of Covid-19.

The news was confirmed by a spokesman for Somerset County Council last week, who added that the school would remain closed until June 23.

There has only been one confirmed case at the Church of England First School, they said, and it was a member of staff.

The SCC spokesman added: “Public Health England South West and Somerset County Council’s Public Health and Education teams are working together to support staff, pupils and parents at Hinton St George School following a confirmed case of Covid-19 at the school.

“Close contacts of the confirmed case have been provided with public health advice and are self-isolating. School staff and parents have been provided with public health advice including what to do if someone was to become symptomatic.

“Public Health England has provided the school with advice on infection prevention and control.

“For operational reasons the school has made the decision to close and will reopen on Tuesday, June 23. Staff will continue to reinforce the key messages on social distancing and regular handwashing when pupils return.”

A spokesman for SCC said that the member of staff first had some symptoms on June 8.

They immediately took time off from school and then underwent a test for coronavirus.

When the result came back positive, the decision was taken to close the school. Monday (June 22) marked 14 days since symptoms were first reported.

There were no other symptoms reported by members of staff, and so the school is now able to reopen.