A WOKINGHAM councillor has released a statement on the confirmed coronavirus case in Woodley today.

The case was announced yesterday, stating a teacher at an infant school in Woodley, Reading, tested positively for the virus.

For more information, click here.

Councillor Pauline Jorgensen posted on Facebook a statement from Public Health England and Wokingham Borough Council.

It said: "Specialists from Public Health England (PHE) are working with Wokingham Borough Council and NHS colleagues following a confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
"The case, who is a member of staff at Willow Bank infant school, was tested this week and is now in a treatment centre in London.

"PHE is contacting anyone that has been in close contact with the individual to provide them with advice about what to do if they start feel unwell, and how to manage if they are told to self-isolate.

"The school is undergoing a deep clean and will be closed for several days while a number of staff self-isolate as a precautionary measure.

"Parents have been informed about the closure of the school and provided with public health advice. Parents will be kept informed and told when the school reopens.

"Other schools in the borough should operate as normal and have been made aware and provided with the latest advice from Public Health England.

"Willow Bank junior school will remain open as the case had no contact with that school.

"Wokingham Borough Council, the NHS and Public Health England are working closely to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases."

For more information on the latest three cases, click here.

Dr Alison Barnett, Centre Director, Public Health England South East, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Berkshire.

"The individual is a member of staff at a local primary school and we’re working closely with Wokingham Borough Council to provide all necessary support to the school and local community to manage the situation.

“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case.

"This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

Councillor Charles Margetts, executive member for adult social care and public health said: “Wokingham Borough Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to help reduce the risk of further cases and safeguard our local school and community.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“If you have recently been to one of the affected countries and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus”

Anybody who has been in close contact is being given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.

Residents are encouraged to visit gov.uk/ for the latest advice and information.