ANOTHER Winchester student is self-isolating “purely as a precaution” following the diagnosis of a fellow pupil at Peter Symonds College.

The college has reported that there has been “no further confirmed cases of coronavirus/COVID19 and Public Health England (PHE) have not notified us of any further suspected cases”.

However, in a statement published on the college’s website yesterday (Wednesday) it has said that one further student has been taken through the PHE risk assessment and “has been asked to self-isolate purely as a precaution. They did so immediately.”

The statement continued: “We continue to remain in contact with PHE to ensure that we have the most up-to-date advice. PHE have advised the College that no further action is required, and that the college should operate as normal.”

On Sunday the college announced that one of its students has been put into self-isolation after being diagnosed with coronavirus.

Following the announcement on Sunday, a small number of students who had come into close contact with the diagnosed person were identified “extremely quickly” through the PHE tracing procedure and after a thorough risk assessment they were advised to isolate themselves as a precaution.

The college has warned that some students have been “play pranks” on others heightening concerns and workload for staff.

“Unfortunately, we have had a few isolated cases of students misusing social media and playing pranks that has caused unnecessary distress to students and additional workload for staff and we would ask for your support in ensuring that your son or daughter understands the seriousness and impact of this type of unhelpful behaviour. I have written to all students on this matter.

“Should the government decide at some stage to close schools and colleges for a period of time, or PHE advise us of the need to close, I want to reassure you that we are developing contingency plans to ensure that students can work at home. We will ensure that the way this will operate will be clearly communicated to students.”