Latest data released by Public Health England indicates that the Hunderton, Oval and Newton Farm areas of Hereford currently have the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Herefordshire.
In total 59 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the seven day period ending 17th September. This was a 22.9% increase on the previous seven day period. This meant that the COVID-19 infection rate for Hereford South West was 713 cases per 100,000 population.
The majority of Hereford and Leominster currently have relatively high rates of COVID-19 at present, with all areas of Hereford (with the exception of Hereford East) and all areas of Leominster having a COVID-19 infection rate above 400 cases per 100,000 population.
This will come as no surprise to some, with a significant increase in the number of cases being recorded in some parts of the county over recent days, with a number of schools seeing a large number of students and staff isolating and with Kingstone High School taking the decision to close due to high levels of Coronavirus.
In the seven day period ending 17th September, approximately 1 in 60 children aged 10-14 years-old tested positive for COVID-19.
Kingstone High School in Herefordshire has closed temporarily due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
A letter sent to parents stated that the school would remain closed until early October with students returning on Monday 4th October.
Copy of letter sent to parents:
Unfortunately, we have to announce the temporary move to remote learning at Kingstone High School, after discussion with Public Health England. This is due to the high and rising numbers of positive PCR tests that mean we can no longer deliver ‘in person’ teaching to an appropriate quality because of staffing constraints and the proportion of students not in school, affecting the continuity of provision.
The change will be put into effect from today so that all students will now need to study online, at home via Teams, from Thursday 23rd September to Friday 1st October inclusive (seven school days). Therefore, students will return to face-to-face lessons on Monday 4th October. Mr Butler will be devising an online teaching schedule, which will be sent out to cover the time period concerned.
Students who are vulnerable or the children of key workers may continue to attend school. Please let us know if you wish to take up this offer, by emailing khsadmin@kingstoneacademy.co.uk as soon as possible. Students in receipt of Free School Meals will receive their lunch if they are in school, otherwise parents or carers will be provided with a voucher via email.
Please note that this closure is for the secondary site only and those of you who also have children in the primary school need to read the complementary letter sent out by Mrs Vigus.
