A READING school has been closed after a staff member was told to self-isolate following coronavirus fears.

St Michael's School on Dee Road was closed today (February 26) as a 'precautionary measure' amid the continuing outbreak of the deadly virus.

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Reading Borough Council confirmed that the member of staff had been in northern Italy and began to develop flu-like symptoms after returning home, so was told to self-isolate.

A spokesman from Reading Borough Council said: "Although they were not in a quarantined area of the country, they did stay in and travel back from this region.

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"As a precautionary measure, the staff member is self-isolating and will stay away from the school until given the all clear to return.

"The decision to close the school was not taken lightly and it was taken by St Michael’s, Reading Borough Council and Brighter Futures for Children, with the welfare of pupils and staff in mind.

"This cautious approach was adopted until checks took place with professionals from Public Health England.

"It is also important to emphasise that the staff member has not had any direct contact with pupils.

"The council has been in contact with Public Health England to confirm that the measures which have been put in place are robust and that there is no ongoing risk to the school.

"As a result of following Public Health England advice, the school will be open again tomorrow and we thank parents for their understanding and support."

A letter was sent from the primary school to parents to inform that the school would be open tomorrow.

St Michael's is the fifth school in Berkshire to have closed today following coronavirus fears.

Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot and Windsor have been forced to close different schools.

No cases of coronavirus have been officially confirmed in Berkshire.