NEARLY half of schools in Blaenau Gwent have been affected by positive coronavirus cases since the start of the autumn term.

Twelve of 26 schools funded and controlled by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council have seen at least one positive coronavirus case among staff or students.

Of these, seven are primary schools, four are three to 16 schools and one is a secondary school.

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Between these 12 schools there have been 15 positive cases among students and nine positive cases among staff, however no breakdown has been given as to how many cases there have been at each school.

The council's executive member for education, Cllr Joanne Collins, said: “Our main concern is the wellbeing of our pupils, staff and wider community, and we will continue to work closely with our schools to limit the potential spread of the virus.

“Measures and procedures are already in place within all Blaenau Gwent schools to limit group numbers and pupil contact, coupled with enhanced cleaning regimes and COVID secure risk assessments.

“School staff remain vigilant to pupils displaying any symptoms, and are ready to take appropriate action. Parents, carers and guardians can support this by remaining alert and ensuring that children do not attend school if they develop any potential symptoms, however mild.”

Schools with coronavirus cases in the first half of term Primary Schools:

  • Ystruth Primary School;
  • Georgetown Primary School;
  • Glanhowy Primary School;
  • Coed y Garn Primary School;
  • St Illtyd’s Primary School;
  • St Joseph’s RC Primary School;
  • Blaen y Cwm Primary School.

Three to 16 schools:

  • Pen y Cwm Special School;
  • Ebbw Fawr Learning Community (Secondary campus);
  • Abertillery Learning Community (Six Bells and Secondary campus);
  • River Centre Learning Community (Secondary campus).

Secondary schools:

  • Tredegar Comprehensive School.