A staff member at a middle school in St David’s has tested positive for the coronavirus, the education ministry revealed tonight.

But the ministry said Clearwater Middle School would be open to pupils today despite the problem.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, said: “A non-teaching worker, employed at Clearwater Middle School tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend.

“The initial assessments by the Department of Health are that the school is safe to open on Monday and will undergo a full risk assessment.

“Given that the worker is not an employee of Clearwater Middle School or with the Department of Education, the risk has currently been assessed by the Department of Health to be minimal.

“All teachers, students and staff should report to campus tomorrow.”

Mr Rabain added that the Department of Health follows a “thorough, comprehensive, data-driven and scientific” approach to determine if quarantine was required.

He said: “This approach has proven effective at other schools and after the risk assessment by the Department of Health, where most schools have been cleared for students and staff.

“The advice and directives from the Department of Health have allowed us to navigate this pandemic since it began. The way they have handled this and kept us safe is well known, recognised and appreciated.”

The Minister added: “The health and safety of all students and staff is a priority for the Department of Education and we will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health to keep teachers, staff, students and parents updated.

“I will issue a public statement once we know the results of the risk assessment.

“We will not put the health of our students and or staff at risk at any point – and appreciate the co-operation and work of the Department of Health and the teachers throughout our public school system who have done a phenomenal job.”