More than 200 students from Malmesbury School are now working from home.

Parents of Year 11s were issued a letter today instructing them of new plans.

Three members of staff will also be self-isolating.

A letter to parents from headteacher Rupert Moreton states: "We have become aware of two further confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the school. We have conducted a thorough risk assessment with Wiltshire Council Public Health team and your child has been identified as a close contact of the confirmed case."

"In line with the national guidance your child will need to stay at home and self-isolate returning to school on 11 December 2020 (14 days after contact). You are asked to follow this guidance to reduce the further spread of COVID 19 to others in the community."

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, said: “This precautionary action is very important so we can keep the risk of any transmission within the school community as low as possible. We will continue to support the school so their high standard of COVID-19 measures are maintained.  

“It is a legal requirement that anyone asked to self-isolate should follow the government information on this and stay at home. If they don’t have symptoms, they do not need to get a test. However, if a member of their household has symptoms and takes a test then they should self-isolate.

“We ask that people regularly wash hands, maintain social distancing and wear face coverings where appropriate – this is the best way to keep you and everyone safe as much as possible.”

Meanwhile, a letter to parents whose children do not have to self isolate has urged people not to panic.

Mr Moreton writes: "The parents/carers of pupils and/or staff members identified as close contacts have been notified in a separate communication.

"Whilst I fully understand this will cause anxiety amongst the school community, I can assure you all necessary steps are being taken to minimise risk to others, to cause the least disruption possible and to support all those affected.

"In the event your child develops symptoms please see information below on action to take and how to prevent any further spread."