A YEAR group at a Hereford secondary school have been told they must self-isolate again for two weeks after another positive coronavirus case in their class.

Year 8 pupils at The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School have already gone through one period of self-isolation and only returned to school last Friday (November 20).

But in a letter to parents today (Thursday), headteacher Martin Henton said they must spend another two weeks at home.

"We have been made aware of a member of our school community in year 8 who following a Covid test on Wednesday, November 25 received a positive result back this afternoon (Thursday).

"We have worked as swiftly as possible today to notify you of our course of action.

"We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England."

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While the school said it does know who has been in close contact with the person who tested positive for coronavirus during lessons, leaders can't tell who they've been with at other times of the day.

It means students will now be learning at home until December 9.

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Mr Henton said: "Although we can identify the students who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) in subject lessons, it is not possible to identify which close contacts have been made in the year 8 group bubble zone at the beginning of the day or at morning and lunch breaks during the infectious period.

"Following Public Health England advice, in line with their guidance for close contact we have taken the decision that all students in year 8 will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

"The start day for this is from the day that the year 8 student who tested positive took their test on Wednesday, November 25.

"Students who have not experienced symptoms during this period will be safe to return to school on Wednesday, December 9."

Earlier on Thursday, the school also confirmed a member of staff had tested positive.

READ MORE: Staff member tests positive for coronavirus at Bishops

Mr Henton said it was only a "very small" number of pupils who had to self-isolate as a result.

It is the fifth coronavirus case the Hampton Dene Road school has confirmed.