Welcome to your local community website...
Sunbury school shuts down due to virus
Sunbury Manor School has been forced to close until next month after more than 70 pupils became infected with norovirus, otherwise known as winter vomiting disease.
Head teacher Louise Duncan said problems became apparent on Friday December 5, when several children reported they felt sick. On Monday (8) the situation worsened significantly and by Wednesday (10), 20 children per day were being sent home forcing the decision, following consultation with health authorities, to close on Friday (12).
Mrs Duncan said: "One minute kids were talking, the next they were projectile vomiting and there were incidences in the main assembly and on the school steps. We really regret having to close but we had no choice."
A statement on the school's website read: "Following advice from Sussex and Surrey Health Authority and the Local Authority, school will have to close. The school will not reopen until the first day of term, 6th January 2009.
"We currently have over 10% of students absent with symptoms of norovirus and the school has sent over 70 students home this week who have presented symptoms in school. We also have a very significant number of staff with the virus."
The virus is transferred a number of ways, including through the air, and it can live in soft furnishings and carpets for up to 3 weeks. Symptoms include sickness and diarrhoea.
With the school in the middle of a deep-clean, Mrs Duncan was frantically trying to reorganise dates for remaining GCSE mock exams after having to postpone a Year 11 parents evening until January 22.
We'd like to hear from you. Send your stories, pics and videos
Older/Newer
« Youths launch anti-knife campaign | Youths launch anti-knife campaign »
Leave a comment