Calls for school closure after pupil's parent at South Yorkshire school contracts coronavirus

Monkwood Primary School in Rawmarsh, Rotherham made the announcement to parents on Thursday (5 March).

The school said the parent contracted COVID-19 after coming into contact with a confirmed case. The pupil and the rest of the family are self-isolating for the next 14 days. At this stage they have not tested positive for the illness.

Monkwood Primary remains open.

Despite Public Health England stating that any risk to people in Rotherham remains low and they should go about their normal business, some parents are calling for the school to be closed.

Posting on social media, one woman wrote: “The schools need closing kids need protecting.

Another woman wrote: “I totally agree. I have a disabled daughter with a rare condition, I have seven children and I am seriously considering taking them all out of school. Not worth the risk why wait till (sic) it’s too late which is what will happen.”

And another posted: “I'm not scared for me but I'm scared for my family.”

Public Health England have issued health advice and emergency contact details to people who had contact with the latest case. Writing on Facebook, a woman who said her kids go to Monkwood said the school told parents the family have provided a list of everyone they have been in contact with.

Keep up-to-date with the key developments on our live blog.