The director of Public Health at South Gloucestershire Council has said that the incident at Yate's Culverhill School is a reminder to all that Covid-19 has not gone away.

More than 100 pupils and staff are currently self-isolating after a student tested positive earlier this week.

All pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 have been forced to stay at home.

A statement issued by headteacher Sue Hewitt and Andrew Buckton, CEO of Enable Trust, said: "We have had a confirmed case of Covid-19 for one of our pupils.

"First and foremost, we are all thinking of them and hope they make a full recovery. As a result of this case and following advice from Public Health England and the school’s own risk assessment, one ‘bubble’ comprising 71 children and 31 members of staff have been told to self-isolate for 14 days.

“The parents/carers of these pupils in have been informed that their child must be kept home and to isolate for two weeks as a precautionary measure as they are deemed to have been in close contact with the confirmed case.

"Those pupils who have been asked to self-isolate will be supported during this time with appropriate home learning.

“I would like to thank all our pupils, their families and our staff for their support and understanding in this challenging and disruptive time.”

A spokesman for South Gloucestershire Council said: "The council is supporting the school and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

"We would like to reassure the school community that all guidance is being followed and pupils in other classes should continue to attend school, unless they have symptoms of coronavirus in which case parents and carers should organise for their child to be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119.

Sara Blackmore, director of public health at South Gloucestershire Council, said: "A child who attends Culverhill School has tested positive for Covid-19 and one ‘bubble’ of 71 children and 31 members of staff have been told to stay home and self-isolate for two weeks, as a precaution.

“I’d like to thank the school for their prompt and effective actions and for working closely with the council and Public Health England.

"The school had good infection control procedures in place which will have helped minimise any potential spread but this should be a reminder to all that Covid-19 has not gone away and it is everyone’s responsibility to do the right thing: keep your distance from others, wear a face covering, unless you are exempt, in all shops, indoor venues and on public transport, and wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds.

“Please only take a test if you have one of the 3 most common symptoms of COVID-19; a new continuous cough, loss of smell or taste or a high temperature.

"Those who do not have one of these symptoms should not be coming forward for a test because they could be taking a test away from someone who really needs it.”