Cornwall Council has revealed that it is aware of seven early years, education or further education settings in the county which have confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The authority also says that currently 1.2% of schoolchildren in Cornwall are absent due to COVID-19.

That equates to approximately 500 children but includes those who are self-isolating as part of 'their bubble' and those who are self-isolating and awaiting a test.

Sally Hawken, Cabinet member for children and families, said:

"We are aware of confirmed cases in schools and the process we have is public health work with the schools and they inform the relevant parents when a confirmed case is known."

The councillor said that information is only released to parents once a positive case has been confirmed by a lab test.

She added: "There are seven cases we are aware of in early years, education and further education settings.

"We also know that 1.2% of children are currently absent from school due to covid. Approximately 500 children who are isolating as part of their bubble or are waiting for a test result."

The information comes after a confirmed case was revealed at Penair School in Truro with more than 20 students told to stay at home for 14 days and self-isolate.

And on Monday the entire year 8 group at Camborne Science and International Academy were sent home after a pupil tested positive for COVID-19.

Students at the Camborne campus of Cornwall College were also told to stay at home last week after a classmate tested positive.

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