Three primary schools in Bangor will remain closed this week due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak at Ysbyty Gwynedd.
Foundation phase pupils were due to return today, but their parents have now been informed schools will remain closed until at least 1 March.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board confirmed the outbreak at the hospital on Monday, linking 49 cases of the virus to the outbreak, which is affecting 5 adult wards at the hospital.
A programme of staff and patient testing is underway at the hospital and all patients who have tested positive are being appropriately isolated, in line with Public Health Wales’ policy on infection prevention and control measures. The Health Board warned they expect to find more cases in patients and staff who are not currently symptomatic.
A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases at Ysbyty Gwynedd, the Education Authority has 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 also means that the school will not be open to those children who returned today (Wednesday, 24 February). The schools will remain open to the children of key workers and vulnerable children.
“We have written to parents and guardians via the schools to apologise for the inconvenience this will cause, but this postponement will allow the Authority to receive more information regarding the impact of the situation at Ysbyty Gwynedd on the school community.
“Our priority is the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff. We plan for the three schools to be open to all Foundation Phase children on Monday, 1 March and if there is any change in these arrangements we will contact parents and guardians as soon as possible.”
