Two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in south Devon on Monday, March 2.

Debra Lapthorne, Centre Director for Public Health England South West, said in a statement: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with two confirmed cases of COVID-19. Both cases are residents from the south Devon area and became infected while in northern Italy.

“Staff from PHE continue to support a secondary school in Torbay where one case attends.

“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case.

“This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public. If you have not been contacted by Public Health England, you do not need to take any action at this time.”

The headmaster of Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Kieran Earley said: "I can confirm that a student at the school has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently getting all necessary support and advice from health services.“While I fully understand this will cause anxiety among the school community, I can assure you all necessary steps are being taken to minimise risk to others. The school is making arrangements for a deep clean with advice from Public Health England and will need to close to carry this out.“All people who have had contact with the person are being identified and will be contacted to advise whether they need to exclude themselves from school or any other action which may be required. PHE will advise whether any tests are required for contacts who report symptoms." The school remains closed today (March 3).

Last week, Kingsbridge Community College announced that two members of staff and two pupils had self-isolated and were undergoing precautionary testing after returning from northern Italy and developing symptoms. The school has stated it is following Public Health England advice "to the letter".

In a statement yesterday, school principal Tina Graham said: "You may have heard today on the news that Churston Ferrers Grammar School is closed due to a potential case of COVID-19. There has been no change to the status of pending test results at KCC today. "Two members of staff and two students who have been tested are absent from school and remain in isolation. There have been no new cases reported of self-isolation today. We will continue to provide updates as and when we receive them. We continue to take the advice from the experts."The advice from Public Health England and Department for Education is categoric in stating that it is not necessary to close the school in response. We do think it is sensible to increase our normal cleaning regime in order to support national efforts to contain the virus and stop it spreading, so that is what our cleaning teams are doing with immediate effect. We will continue to be vigilant, respond rapidly to any signs of symptoms, and review our response in the light of any changing advice."I am acutely aware of the conjecture and speculation that is currently visible on social media. Please be rest assured that in between published communications we are in constant contact with the health experts that are the only body that can advise us at this time."Anybody concerned about coronavirus in an educational setting can telephone the Department for Education helpline on 0800 046 8687 or email [email protected]. The opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday).