New Covid wave closes high school for two weeks

Concerns that a fourth wave of Covid-19 is hitting Welshpool has forced the town’s high school to close for two weeks from Tuesday morning.

The number of positive cases has shot up in the town over recent days with three at the high school forcing dozens of children to stay at home. Berriew Primary School also reported a positive case on Friday.

Head teacher, Jim Toal, said that it “saddens” him to have to take the measure, but added that there “isn’t an alternative” at this stage. Staff shortages due to isolating measures has also been a factor in the decision, it is believed.

“Despite the school’s best efforts to mitigate the spread of infection, a rapid growth of positive cases in the Welshpool area has led to a tipping point over the most recent weekend and into this morning, making further intervention essential,” said Mr Toal.

He added that staff will continue to attend work during the period, with the primary focus on setting online work for all pupils, and that the school would reopen on December 7.

It has been unofficially reported that a number of positive cases have also been recorded at Welshpool Hospital, but we are awaiting confirmation from Powys Teaching Health Board.

The three previous waves to hit Welshpool were confined to the three specific locations at the Rhallt, Leighton Arches and, most recently, Sidoli’s.

But there is now concern that this latest increase in cases appears to be coming from several locations from in and around the town.