Government said that Northlands Primary School will be open today, despite concerns of a Covid-19 contamination at the facility.

The Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit identified a potential exposure this morning, but ruled that the school, on Berkeley Road in Pembroke, was safe for students and staff to attend.

The department of health has been in contact with those thought to be at risk of carrying the virus and ordered them to quarantine.

This morning Diallo Rabain, the minister of education, confirmed that the school had been at risk of possible exposure.

He said that students and staff will be given priority for testing at the nearby Bull’s Head virus test centre today.

Mr Rabain said: “I wish to thank the Department of Health staff for their immediate response to this potential Covid-19 exposure and for carrying out the risk assessment.

“After the necessary cleaning, the school opened this morning.”

“The individuals identified and contacted by the Department of Health must test for Covid-19 by March 17 and be re-tested on or again by March 22. The risk assessment determined the last date of Covid-19 exposure at the school was March 8. Therefore the 14-day quarantine period will end on March 22.

“The Department of Health is organising a clinic today at the Bull’s Head testing site. Priority for testing will be given to affected members of Northlands Primary School only.

“The principal of Northlands Primary School will ensure that the students’ and associated teachers’ testing appointments are booked. Students must attend with a responsible adult who can consent to testing on behalf of the child.

“The responsible adult must bring a valid, government-issued picture ID for themselves and, if possible, for the child for whom they are giving consent. Alternatively, affected people can speak with their doctors about getting tested.

“The Department of Health will provide further advice once the test results are completed. Negative test results by a particular child or teacher will not automatically mean release from quarantine.”

A ministry spokeswoman added that, under public health regulations, anyone identified as a close contact by the department of health must be quarantined.

The spokeswoman said: “This means those identified and contacted must stay home and away from other activities.

“This includes not attending birthday parties, extracurricular activities, social engagements, other places of employment, public places, public transport, and grocery stores.

“Non-essential visitors must not enter the home. For children, the child’s main caregiver and close contacts within the home – including brothers and sisters – must also remain at home.”