Parents are being told they can take their children out of school after a staff member returning from coronavirus-hit Singapore was put in isolation.

The individual, who works at St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, has shown no symptoms but has sought medical advice.

Head of senior school David Jackson, in a letter to parents, says the staff member has been in contact with a small number of pupils and staff.

"While we believe the risk of infection is extremely low, the health and welfare of everyone in the St Lawrence College community is of paramount importance," he said.

"Having taken advice, we feel we must act quickly and cautiously to reduce any potential risk of transmission.

"All parents across the whole college have been notified of this situation and have been given the option to withdraw their child(ren) from school for the half-term break with immediate effect."

Singapore has recently been added to Public Health England's list of affected areas.

The staff member, who spent a short period of time at Singapore Airport on their way back from Australia, has been isolated and will not return to the school for at least 14 days.

All pupils and staff who may have come into contact with them have been notified and have been advised to seek medical advice from 111 should symptoms develop.

The school will remain open until the end of the week and will reopen as normal after half term.

Mr Jackson said: "This may appear to be an extreme response to a very low risk, but we would rather err on the side of caution, as the welfare of our pupils, families and staff is always our primary concern.”

"We will be keeping everyone updated throughout the half term period on any further developments in this situation, as well as continuing to monitor advice on coronavirus for international pupils and parents who may have been planning to travel at Easter."

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