A NUMBER of pupils at Newcastle Emlyn School are self-isolating following a positive case of coronavirus being identified.

Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for education and children’s services Cllr Glynog Davies said: “We can confirm we have had a positive case of Covid-19 at Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn.

“A number of pupils have been asked to self-isolate as a precautionary and preventative measure whilst the test, trace, protect process gets underway to identify those individuals that are contacts.

“Those pupils who are not identified as contacts will then be able to return to school as normal (as long as they are fit and well with no symptoms).

“Please be assured we have strict procedures in place. We understand parents and the community will be concerned at reports of positive cases; however, this process of testing and contact tracing is part of the ‘new normal’ and schools follow these guidelines carefully.

“The school is in direct contact with parents and will keep them updated. A comprehensive list of frequently asked questions can be found on the website to answer any questions you may have regarding this process carmarthenshire.gov.wales/education.

“It is important that we all remain vigilant – do not send your child to school if they are unwell and have any of the three identified Covid-19 symptoms or they live in a household with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive in the past 14 days, or if you have been advised to self-isolate by a contact tracing advisor.”

Seven schools are currently closed in the Cardigan area following a surge in the number of cases in the town, but six schools which were closed in north Pembrokeshire have since reopened.

A Carmarthenshire county council spokesperson added: ”Following the closure of some schools in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, we would like to confirm that there are currently no plans to close our schools in this area.

“We would like to reassure parents that there are currently no issues of concern at any of our schools in this area. We will however continue to monitor the situation working closely with our headteachers.”