Coronavirus: Blackwell Public school student tests positive

Parents have aired their concerns towards a Western Sydney primary school, which has remained open after a student tested positive for coronavirus this week.

A student at Blackwell Public School in St Clair has tested positive to coronavirus, the school principal has confirmed. Picture: Google Maps

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A western Sydney primary school will remain open after a student tested positive for coronavirus this week.

Blackwell Public School in St Clair today confirmed one of its students had contracted COVID-19, but NSW Health has advised the student was not infectious while at school.

In a letter to parents, principal Kris Hudswell said “no action was required” following the student’s diagnosis.

“It is a personal matter for those involved and they will be supported directly by NSW Health,” Ms Hudswell said.

“I am sure you join me in wishing the student a quick recovery.”

Cleaners photographed cleaning a classroom at St Christopher's Catholic Primary School in Panania over coronavirus fears. Picture: Monique Harmer

Ms Hudswell said the Department of Education was working alongside NSW Health to trace contacts with the student.

“Any people assessed as being a ‘close contact’ of the student concerned will be contacted by NSW Health directly and given appropriate advice,” she said.

“NSW Health has processes in place to determine those who are a close contact.”

There have been no reported closures at the school at this stage, however, parents have been quick to air their concerns on the school’s social media.

“Is the school going to be contacting the parents of the child’s class? How will we know if our child/niece/nephew has been in close contact otherwise?” one parent wrote.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has encouraged parents to keep school-aged children at home, despite schools remaining open across the state. Picture: Dean Lewins

“I understand that there are protocols you as a school have to follow. But I am confused as I was one of the parents sent away as I went to drop my son at school,” another parent said.

The case comes as public schools remain open across NSW.

However, parents have been encouraged to keep children at home where possible and access learning from home programs.

As of 8pm on Sunday, March 21, the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District had 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The local health district said it had conducted 3187 tests with negative results.

More details as they come to hand.