Pupils at Milton Keynes-based secondary school must continue wearing face masks following discovery of Indian variant

    Pupils at The Radcliffe School in Wolverton must continue wearing face masks following the news that cases of the Indian variant have been linked to the school.

    Secondary school pupils at other schools across Milton Keynes no longer have to wear face masks from today (17/5) due to the easing of lockdown restrictions.

    But Public Health England (PHE) has said that the Radcliffe School must continue its mask policy due to the number of cases within the school community.

    In the past month, multiple staff members and students have tested positive for the virus meaning that year groups have had to self isolate.

    And last week it was announced that a "small number" of cases of the highly transmissible Indian variant, also known as B1617.2, were linked to the school.

    The school has been working closely with Public Health England to control the spread, and surge testing was conducted at the school on Friday (14/5).

    Paula Lawson, Headteacher at the Radcliffe School, has explained to parents that their children must continue wearing face coverings following correspondence from Public Health England.

    "Unfortunately, any changes to the mask wearing policy could only be made if the number of cases allowed," she said.

    "This will mean all students and staff will need to continue to wear masks at all times during the school day, other than when they are eating or drinking. PHE will be regularly reviewing this situation and I will keep you informed of any changes."

    The Headteacher also issued a message of reassurance to parents and pupils. She continued: "I know these recent events will feel quite disturbing, but can I reassure parents we are still maintaining our stringent hygiene practices with cleaning of desks, washing or sanitising hands when changing classrooms, one-way systems around the school, separate areas at lunchtimes for our bubbles, staggered starts and finishes, alongside additional contract cleaning of high contact surfaces throughout the day.

    "As you would expect, we are working closely with PHE and continue to follow all advice and guidance."

    It is believed that the Radcliffe School is currently the only school in Milton Keynes that has had confirmed cases of the Indian variant. If you know of a school that has been affected by this strain, let us know by emailing news@mkfm.com - you will remain anonymous.

    READ MORE: Indian COVID-19 variant confirmed in Milton Keynes as 'small number' of cases are linked to local school

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