Two schools in the South Hams have confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

Ivybridge Community College has had one confirmed case and Ugborough Primary School has seen two cases of COVID-19.

Karen Dixon, head of Ugborough Primary School, said: “We have two confirmed cases at the school, and are working closely with Public Health England. As per their advice, we have asked our year group to remain at home for the duration of the self-isolation period. We have robust measures in place to reduce the risk of spread among our pupils and staff. We’d like to thank all of our pupils and their families for their understanding and cooperation at this time.”

Public Health England South West and Public Health Devon are working together with local NHS colleagues to support staff working at Ugborough Primary School, following two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the school.

Following advice from Public Health England, the school has made the decision to send home staff and students in the year group bubble identified as close contacts of both cases, and will carry out a deep clean at the school.

The school is following the existing guidance for non-clinical settings advice, including providing staff and pupils with guidance on social distancing and hygiene to limit spread. Additional measures are in place while the situation is being managed and investigated.

All staff and pupils who are deemed to have been close contacts of confirmed cases have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days, and provided with public health advice. If any develop symptoms of COVID-19, they will be tested.

Mike Wade, Deputy Director of Health Protection at Public Health England South West, said: “PHE South West is working closely with the school to provide public health advice to stop the virus spreading.

“Everyone should be following social distancing advice to prevent the spread of the virus. Stay alert, Protect the NHS, Save Lives.

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

“After we’ve spoken to the school initially we email out an information pack to support them. Which includes advice on infection prevention control and what to do if they need additional support.”

Dr Virginia Pearson, the director for Public Health Devon, said: “The wellbeing of our local communities is always our priority and our thoughts are focused on the recovery of those testing positive.

“We are supporting all those affected and are continuing to review all our processes to make schools as safe as possible for staff and pupils.”

A small group of people who attend Ivybridge Community College are self-isolating due to a confirmed coronavirus case.

The school was directed by Public Health England on Thursday, September 17 to self-isolate a group of students from the College, including a member of staff within that ’bubble’ as a preventative measure to stop the virus spreading.

PHE made the school aware that the potential date for possible transmission at the College was Friday, September 11.

The individual associated with the confirmed case has not been on the college premises since this date, and all students who are potentially affected have received letters as directed by PHE informing them of the appropriate self-isolation requirements and advice.

Principal Rachel Hutchinson said: "We contacted all parents and carers within this group by phone as soon as Public Health England made us aware and we have shared all the advice and guidance provided to us on our website should you wish to view it.

"Please can I take this opportunity to thank all our parents who took phone calls in the late evening and for giving their support on minimising the impact across the rest of the college."