Preston's Cardinal Newman College sends students home to self-isolate after confirmed case of COVID-19

The college was forced to send the students home yesterday (Monday, September 7) after the college learned that one of their classmates had tested positive.

The campus in Lark Hill Road remains open and only those who share classes with the infected student have been asked to self-isolate.

It is understood that Accounting is the main class affected, with all those enrolled on the course being asked to quarantine for 14 days.

The college has not released details on the number of students affected.

Principal Nick Burnham said: "The College has acted in line with guidance from Public Health England after receiving confirmation of a confirmed case of COVID-19 with a member of our student cohort.

"As advised we have informed the students affected and told them they must self-isolate for a two week period, until the end of Wednesday, September 16 when students, provided they aren’t displaying any symptoms, will return to college.

"The College has worked extensively over the last six months with Health & Safety consultants and has planned for such eventualities with the development of a new blended timetable.

"We will continue to consult with Public Health England as the pandemic takes it course, and ensure we are doing everything we can as a community to keep everyone safe."

An email has been sent to all those deemed 'close contacts' of the infected student, advising them to stay at home and only return to college on September 17.

The email, from assistant principal Kellylee Illingworth-Turner, says: "Dear student, you have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.

"In line with the national guidance available below, we recommend that you now stay at home and self-isolate until the end of September 16, 2020.

"We are asking you to do with to reduce the further spread of COVID-19 to others in the community.

"If you are well at the end of the 14 days period of self-isolation, then you can return to usual activities. A negative test does not mean that you can stop self-isolation earlier than 14 days."