October 5, 2021 4.59 pm This story is over 29 months old

Brigg school reintroduces masks and bubbles

Until the end of half term at least
The Vale Academy in Brigg

Students at a secondary school in North Lincolnshire will be back in bubbles after confirmed COVID cases

The Vale Academy in Brigg has confirmed that year groups will not be allowed to mix at lunch or break times.

It will also require pupils to wear masks on buses and in communal areas once again.

A mobile testing centre for staff and students was at the school last week.

The enhanced measures to fight COVID are being extended until the end of the half term on October 22.

The government no longer requires year groups to be kept in separate bubbles, although schools still have the option.

In a letter to parents issued on October 1, academy Principal Nicola Williams has laid out the steps that will be taken to stop the spread.

“There remain confirmed cases and, as you are aware, we have been working closely with Public Health,” she said.

“As a result, a mobile testing unit attended the academy for two days this week. This has enabled all students for whom we received consent and all staff to have PCR tests on site.

“In light of the recent cases, we implemented a number of enhanced measures as outlined below:

  • Students will remain in their year group at break times
  • Students will remain in their year group at lunch times
  • Face coverings will be required rather than expected and recommended on buses to and from the Academy, unless exemptions apply
  • Face coverings will be required in communal areas, unless exemptions apply.

“Following a review of the current situation, we have decided to retain the enhanced measures up until the half term holiday ie. until Friday October 22.

“As before, your child should continue to attend school unless they develop symptoms of COVID-19 or are unwell. If they do develop symptoms, please keep your child at home and book a PCR test for them.”

The Brigg & South Ferriby area has one the highest COVID rates in North Lincolnshire.

The case rate hit 1009 cases per 100,000 people in the most recent data.

North East Lincolnshire recently confirmed that up to half of its new cases are in secondary-school age children.