Coronavirus: School staff in Bridgend, Cwmbran and Carmarthen test positive

Four members of staff at four separate schools in south Wales have tested positive for Covid-19.

Bridgend council confirmed a case at two schools - Ysgol Bryn Castell in Brynmenyn and Maesteg School.

Torfaen council confirmed the case at Woodlands Community primary in Cwmbran and Carmarthenshire council announced the case at Ysgol y Dderwen primary in Carmarthen.

Bridgend and Torfaen councils said the cases had not had contact with pupils.

Bridgend council said both of its affected schools would reopen on Monday as planned, but key stage four pupils at Ysgol Bryn Castell would not return until 21 September.

It said affected pupils would temporarily be given blended learning and virtual lessons.

It said 17 staff members at Ysgol Bryn Castell and five at Maesteg School has been advised to isolate for 14 days.

A spokesman for Maesteg School said a member of staff had tested positive "within the last 24 hours".

"The safety and well-being of pupils, teachers and staff remains a top priority, and the school and local council are working together to ensure that the school can open as planned next week for the start of the new term."

In a letter to parents on Thursday, Ysgol Bryn Castell said Public Health Wales had advised the school environment was safe for learners to return.

It said: "We recognise that this information may present additional levels of concern to members of the school community who may already be finding this transition period to full school reopening challenging and unsettling, and would encourage you to reach out and seek support if you or your child are finding things difficult by contacting the school."

A Bridgend council spokesman said: "Because this will have an unavoidable impact on lessons, the school and local council have taken the reluctant decision to postpone the start date for all key stage four pupils."

Torfaen council said "some" staff at Woodlands Community Primary School were self-isolating but the school would remain open.

A council spokesman said: "The school remains open and it is not necessary for any child to self-isolate, stay away from school or to be tested, unless they develop symptoms of Covid-19."

Carmarthen council said the school and the authority were dealing with the case "in line with its test, trace and protect procedures".