ANOTHER member of The Isle of Wight College community has tested positive for Covid-19, the County Press has been informed.

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The person in question is a member of the Health and Social Care department.

The news follows a previous case at the college, which saw a number of students and staff being asked to self-isolate earlier this month.

A statement sent to parents said: "We appreciate you may find this concerning, however, we are working closely with Public Health England and are continuing to monitor the situation.

"The small number of people who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus have been contacted and informed that they must stay at home for 14 days.

"For all other students the college remains open and, so long as they remain well, should continue to attend as normal.

"This email is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your son or daughter.

"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus will be a mild illness."

The chair of governors, Dr Nicholas England, was informed immediately and remains assured that the management team are effectively implementing agreed procedures and that he is confident the college remains safe for staff and students, Isle of Wight Council confirmed in a statement. 

Debbie Lavin, principal, said: “We understand the anxiety this news will cause our college community and I want to reassure staff, students and parents that we have stringently followed government guidelines and continue to work closely with the public health team.

“It is important that we continue to provide education on-site to our students and in order to maintain this, I cannot stress enough the absolute necessity of maintaining social distancing at all times.”