A WINCHESTER school has been praised for its response after two pupils have been tested for coronavirus.

Yesterday at letter was sent to parents at Western Church of England Primary School which stated that "two members of the school community are being tested for Coronavirus Covid-19".

Headteacher Peter Burbridge continued: "I have been in contact with Public Health England – (Hampshire/Isle of Wight) who have stated that if these students are being tested as possible cases there is no indication for school closure or any other measures for staff or children."

Today parents continued to bring their children to school, with most showing saying they are not worried following the announcement.

Sarah Beck, whose daughter is asthmatic and attends the school, said: “They are not confirmed cases and the school has followed public health advice.”

The staff member at Southampton General Hospital added: “I think we have got to follow the guidance that Public Health England are telling people, they know what they are doing so I am not worried about it at the moment.”

One mother said that the school have told children not to speaking about the virus, adding: “People are going to catch it one way or another. They [the children] have been asked not to talk about it at school as it is scaring some children.”

Another parent Claire Porter said: “I am not worried about it at all, I work at the hospital so I am not worried about the coronavirus.

“Obviously if they come back (the pupils’ tests) they have already been in contact with the children, it is difficult to know.

“I think there has been a lot of hype. Most of the people that have died had pre-existing conditions and have been elderly.”

Grant Hopkins, whose child is in year 3, said: “I think it is about keeping calm, we can overreact. We had an incident at Canary Wharf, I work for HSBC, they cleared the floor and did a deep clean.

“It is about monitoring, it is a difficult balance. I think until such time there is further medical evidence that we really do need to it it is about taking sensible measures.”

One parent praised the school’s response: “It’s good the school is keeping parents well informed. Everyone just needs to be vigilant around identifying symptoms and not to panic. My daughter is picking up on what’s happening and I have discussed it with her. She’s not worried but she will take her cue from adults so it’s important everyone is proportionate in their response. I think the school has been proportionate, particularly in its stance around face masks.

Another parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “I feel fine about it, I am very pragmatic. I think there is general panic. I think the school’s response has been entirely appropriate.”