Coronavirus Cherrybrook cluster: Spike in cases linked to Tangara School

Community concern is growing as more cases are linked to Tangara School for Girls in Cherrybrook. So how are they going to contain the spread?

Tangara School for Girls is at the latest COVID-19 cluster. Picture: Richard Dobson

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The number of confirmed coronavirus cases linked to Tangara School for Girls in Cherrybrook has grown to 17 including five students, a staff member and two social contacts of cases.

NSW Health revealed there were eight more cases reported last night which were linked to the school, as authorities continue an investigation into the source of the outbreak.

Cleaners at Tangara school for girls in Cherrybrook. Picture: Nine News Sydney

The independent Catholic school located in Sydney’s northwest is closed, with high school students set to continue their studies from home for a period of two weeks.

Meanwhile, the junior campus will re-open on August 12 for students whose parents need to send their children to school.

NSW Health has said all staff and support staff of the high school are required to self-isolate for 14 days and get tested, regardless of symptoms.

Pictured is a sign on the chapel door at Tangara School for Girls at Cherrybrook in Sydney that has been closed. Picture: Richard Dobson

Tangara school principal Rita Sakr sent a letter to students and parents last Friday confirming the first COVID-19 case during the second wave.

Members on a community group on Facebook expressed their concerns.

“I am not sure how we should think or act that can be fair and suitable. My understanding is any family who has a child at Tangara, and are in two weeks isolation, is better to keep all their kids out of other schools. My kid at CPH was saying today that her classmate has a sister that goes to Tangara,” the parent wrote on Facebook.

Pictured is Tangara School for Girls at Cherrybrook in Sydney that has been closed due to positive COVID-19 cases. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Close all schools,” another Facebook user wrote.

“Maybe kids could be encouraged to wear masks?” another person suggested.

A staff member at PharmaSave in Cherrybrook who tested positive to COVID-19 has been linked to the Tangara school cluster.

A NSW Health spokesman stated the staff member was wearing a mask while working but customers were being urged to monitor symptoms if they attended PharmaSave from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, August 6.

The pharmacy will reopen today.