A SECOND coronavirus case has been confirmed at a secondary school in Hereford, with more students told to go home and self-isolate.

Whitecross Hereford High School said a student in Year 9 has tested positive for Covid-19, but leaders continue to work with health officials to minimise risk.

Headteacher Tim Knapp said a "small number" of students have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

It comes just two weeks after 24 pupils at the school in Three Elms Road were told the same after a Year 7 pupil tested positive.

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Mr Knapp added: "We had hoped that we would not be in this position so soon after our first case but given the situation nationally this may be the pattern in schools for quite some time.

"I am reassured that both the local health protection team and the Department for Education are satisfied with the controls we have in place and are pleased that we have been able to limit the number of young people who need to self-isolate.

"Those students who have been sent home will have online lessons to ensure their learning continues.

"This is a reminder to all of us to do everything we can to reduce the risk of transmission and Whitecross remains committed to providing the safest environment and the highest quality of education for all our students.

"I continue to be hugely proud of our students who have been amazing in following our guidelines and am profoundly grateful to our parents, our students and our staff for their support during what is a challenging time for all schools."

Other schools in the county to have reported coronavirus cases among students so far include John Kyrle in Ross-on-Wye and Bromyard's Queen Elizabeth High School.