Jarrow Cross CE Primary School closed for deep clean following sickness virus

The school confirmed that it would be closed on Tuesday, November 19 to take action after reports of a virus.

A sickness bug has been affecting some pupils in Jarrow and Jarrow Cross Primary School was closed as a deep clean took place following reports of symptoms.

On Tuesday, November 19, Headteacher Susan McBeth said: "The well being of our pupils is our primary concern. In light of the number of pupils and staff affected by this virus, we took the decision to close the school until Wednesday, November 20.

"The school has had a deep clean and we will re-open tomorrow."

Other schools in Jarrow have had to close due to the virus.

Jarrow School was also closed on Tuesday, November 19 for a deep clean after a 'significant number' of students reported sickness symptoms.

St Mary’s RC Primary school, also in Jarrow, reopened on Monday, November 18, after being forced to close due to a norovirus which affected a third of over 200 pupils. It closed on Thursday, November 14, and remained closed on Friday, November 15.

Dr Gayle Dolan, Consultant in Health Protection for PHE NE, said: “At this time of year it is not uncommon for viruses including influenza (flu) and norovirus to circulate in the community and in schools.

“The risk of infection can be reduced by practising good hand hygiene, particularly after using the toilet, after using a tissue to catch a cough or a sneeze, and before eating.

“Children who have been suffering with vomiting and diarrhoea should not return to school until at least 48 hours after symptoms have passed. Children who are feeling unwell but have not had symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea should only return to school once they are fully recovered.”

If you have concerns about your child’s symptoms, or need more advice on the illness and how to deal with it, call your GP or NHS on 111.