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Coronavirus In Isle Of Wight Schools: Interactive Map Shows Confirmed Cases

A new interactive map has revealed the extent of coronavirus in Isle of Wight schools, with more than ten education settings confirming cases in the past week.

The map, made by Isle of Wight Radio, shows a total of 12 education institutions on the Island have confirmed they have had case of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. 

Councillor Paul Brading, the cabinet member in charge of education on the Island, said he is always concerned when coronavirus is involved.

However, he says he is "absolutely not" overly concerned by the recent "batch" of cases.

He said:

"I'm concerned about any person affected by coronavirus whether it be an adult or child. Am I overly concerned about the safety of schools on the Island? Absolutely not. 

"All the schools did really thorough risk assessments prior to reopening. While there has been a batch at the moment, overall we are doing really well on the Island controlling the virus in general as well as in schools."

A number of schools have been affected in the past week, including Binstead Primary School, Barton Primary School and Island Innovation VI Form to name a few.

The full list can be viewed on Isle of Wight Radio's interactive map (it will continue to be updated with the latest cases and advice):

Speaking at today's Local Outbreak Engagement Board meeting, Director of Public Health for the Island, Simon Bryant, said he was not alarmed by an increase in school cases.

He said it was what health bosses on the Island "expected":

"What we know is that the infection is spreading more in younger people. 15 to 30 year-olds - that is where the infection is more prevalent. What we are seeing as the pandemic is developing, the average age of infection is going up.

"We are working with the schools to manage that [rise in cases]. It is as we expected."

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, Northwood Primary School has also had a COVID-19 case within its community, but pupils were told there was no need to self-isolate.

It is not known how many pupils, staff or other members of the school community on the Island are currently self-isolating.

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