MORE pupils will have to prepare to self-isolate if new coronavirus cases are found after one county class has been forced to self-isolate less than a week after returning.

Worcestershire County Council confirmed all of its schools had returned by Monday (September 7) but warned it was a case of “not if but when” that classes and other ‘bubbles’ would have to self-isolate in the event of new outbreaks.

Cllr Marcus Hart, cabinet member for education at Worcestershire County Council, said: “I’m pleased to say that all 243 schools are back as of Monday because there were some indications that a small number of schools were not going to be back [until the end of September].

“I for one have been very keen, subject to of course all of the bubbles and safety measures that need to be in place to protect teachers, staff, pupils, families and parents, that we get all of our children back into school.

“It will be interesting, over the weeks ahead, how our schools respond to having to close bubbles, whether that be a class or a year group, depending on when we get outbreaks. Of course, it is not if but indeed it will be when.”

It was revealed a Year 7 class at Woodrush High School in Wythall near Bromsgrove was self-isolating for 14 days after one of the class tested positive for coronavirus - the first case identified in the new term in the county.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director for Public Health for Worcestershire, confirmed the case but did not say whether it was a teacher or pupil.

“An individual from Woodrush High School has tested positive for Covid-19,” she said.

“This case was quickly identified and the school is being supported by Public Health, additional measures have been put in place to protect the school and help minimise any further disruption.

“The bubble which the individual was in, is now self-isolating for 14 days in line with guidance and will continue their learning through remote access.”

The council confirmed all 243 schools in the county had returned by Monday (September 7) with early figures showing around 87 per cent of pupils were attending.

The provisional numbers do not yet paint the full picture as almost 60 schools had not yet submitted attendance figures to the Department for Education.

The council said 182 schools in the county – just under 75 per cent - had so far sent in the numbers.

Schools started returning fully for the first time last week after closing, except for key worker’s children and some exceptions, on March 20.