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A staff member at an infant school in the Reading area has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.

Willow Bank Infant School in Woodley is understood to have today (Saturday, February 29) emailed parents confirming the news.

Admins of the Woodley Chats & Rants Facebook page shared a copy of the email after speaking to the school and after parents had been informed.

The email states a "member of staff has tested positive for the coronavirus, COVID- 19."

As a result of this the infant school will remain closed while the school has a deep clean.

The Berkshire school has also apologise "that it has taken some time to officially inform" parents.

Here is the statement in the email in full:

Dear Parents,

We regret to inform you that we were told today that one of our members of staff has tested positive for the coronavirus, COVID- 19.

We understand that this will worry many of you, and can reassure you that we have taken advice from Public Health England, who have released the attached statements. We have also attached some FAQs which will hopefully answer some of the questions you may have.

We apologise that it has taken some time to officially inform you, however we have first had to perform the necessary checks and procedures that follow such an incident, which has taken most of today. Please can we ask that you remain calm and follow the recommended hygiene procedures. The school will be shut for some days to allow for a deep clean and to ensure that the risks of infection remain low. We will be in contact to ensure that you are kept updated.

I am sure you will join me to wish the affected member of staff all the very best for a speedy recovery.

Regards, Michelle Masters

On Twitter the school has said: "All enquiries should be directed to Wokingham Borough Council."

Three new cases confirmed in UK

More coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the UK including one in Berkshire. Three more positive tests have come back, those involved are from Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire.

Two of those infected had recently travelled back from Italy while the other had returned from Asia, medical chiefs said.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said this brings the total cases to 23 in the UK.

Prof Whitty said: “All three are being investigated and contact tracing has begun.”