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Video: Ian Johnson, principal of the Marlowe Academy,
explains the steps taken after an infected University of Kent
student visited the school last week

A Thanet school has become the first in Kent to close due to
swine flu.

Marlowe Academy in Ramsgate will be shut today after two
students and a staff member fell ill over the weekend. They have
been tested for the virus - with the staff member testing
positive. The others are awaiting results.

The tests came after it was revealed one of 10
students infected from the University of Kent had recently visited
the academy.

A statement released by principal Ian Johnson
said: "Two of our students and one of our staff colleagues began to
feel unwell over the weekend and were tested for the virus earlier
this week. The two students are still awaiting the results,
but I was informed this afternoon that the member of staff has
indeed contracted swine flu.

"Getting advice and guidance from the relevant health
authorities has proved difficult at such short notice.

"However, having read all the guidance
currently in school, I have decided to close the Marlowe Academy to
staff and students tomorrow (Friday) in the first
instance."

Mr Johnson was due to be in school today with
a skeleton staff. Letters will be posted to all families giving the
latest update. For more information, visit the Marlowe Academy's
website.

If the other two Thanet cases are confirmed
that will bring the Kent total up to 29.