Three Bangor schools that closed on Wednesday, 24th February, following concerns about the Covid-19 outbreak at Ysbyty Gwynedd, will re-open to pupils on 1st March.
The outbreak at Ysbyty Gwynedd was confirmed by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board on Monday, 22nd February, and has affected five adult wards with 49 new cases of the virus being linked to the outbreak.
The Health Board also announced today that the “majority” of planned operations at Ysbyty Gwynedd will be cancelled at the hospital for the next two weeks, with a few exceptions such as some day cases, maternity and paediatrics.
Emergency surgery, diagnostic services, oncology and outpatient appointments will continue.
The decision to delay the return of the foundation stage pupils at the schools was taken to allow time to consider the impact of the Covid outbreak on the school community.
A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Yesterday the Council advised Ysgol y Faenol, Ysgol y Garnedd and Ysgol Cae Top in the Bangor area not to admit Foundation Phase pupils back to school until Monday. This was to allow time to consider the impact of the recent Covid-19 outbreak at Ysbyty Gwynedd on the school community.
“The matter has now been considered by the Gwynedd Prevention and Surveillance Group – a multi-agency group made up of representatives from the Council, health authorities and other partners.
“This provided an opportunity to review the situation in detail, and there is confidence that clear infection control arrangements are in place at Ysbyty Gwynedd, including hygiene arrangements, ongoing staff training and regular testing. In addition, stringent contact tracing arrangements are in place to ensure that any individual that is required self-isolates.
“The Council is therefore confident that appropriate arrangements are in place to protect the local community and as a result the three schools will re-open to Foundation Phase pupils from Monday, 1 March.”
