A HIGH school closed this morning, Tuesday, after it is believed that "at least one" student has coronavirus.

Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley shut after taking advice from Public Health England and will now be given a deep clean.

It is due to reopen on Monday, March 23.

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In a letter to parents and carers, head teacher Mrs Garretts said: "As you are aware, we have taken the difficult decision to close the school for a deep clean until the end of this week.

"Hopefully, school will reopen on Monday, March 23 unless we are instructed to remain closed.

"This decision has been taken because we believe that at least one of our students is suspected of having contracted the virus.

"While there is very strong evidence that this is the case, we cannot absolutely confirm it because people are not being tested unless they are hospitalised.

"ln the context of a school environment, where students are in large numbers and in very close contact with one another, we cannot take the risk of remaining open without a thorough deep clean.

"I realise that this will be inconvenient for you as parents and apologise for any disruption caused, especially as the decision had to be taken at very short notice this morning (we were made aware of the situation just before 8am).

"I strongly believe, however, that the health and safety of our students, our staff and their families is of paramount importance.

"lt is simply not acceptable that the lack of testing makes it impossible for us to know whether or not someone with symptoms has, in fact, contracted the virus.

"I hope you will understand that this precautionary measure has been taken with your child's safety in mind and that it is better to err on the side of caution in these unprecedented times.

"ln order to minimise the effect of this closure on students' learning, work will be set on a daily basis either through Show My Homework or Office 365.

"I must stress that the measure we have taken is precautionary and we are confident that, after our deep clean, we will be able to reopen as scheduled.

"Thank you for your understanding in these difficult and challenging times."