Gillingham Primary School was forced to close ‘with immediate effect’ on Monday after a parent of one of its pupils tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus.

The school, which had stayed open to teach children of key workers, is now undergoing a deep clean and will not re-open before 6 April at the earliest.

And parents and staff who were present on Monday – when the child of the affected parent was present – have been told to take ‘precautionary measures’.

In a letter to parents and carers on Monday head teacher Sue Preston wrote: ‘I am very sorry to have to tell you that at 3pm today we received news that a parent of one of our children has tested positive for Covid-19 (Coronavirus). This pupil was in attendance today, Monday 23 March. I am sure your best wishes go out to this family.’

As a result, she wrote, and after taking advice, the school had to close with ‘immediate effect’.

Mrs Preston continued: ‘I know this will be very concerning for you, and in some cases inconvenient, but I have to prioritise everyone’s health at this time.

‘Everyone present today should be taking precautionary measures to limit any potential further spread of the virus. This includes following the “stay at home” guidance. Should symptoms appear, you should follow the NHS advice regarding self-isolation. If you have concerns about your own situation, you should contact 111 to discuss any health-related questions.’

The full text of the letter is below: