Covid outbreak at Uppingham School moves pupils back online

Friday, 25 June 2021 14:03

A recent surge in Covid-19 cases detected at Uppingham School has forced nearly 600 pupils back to online learning as they isolate to stem the spread of the virus.

Lessons at Uppingham School have moved online following an outbreak of coronavirus at the school. 35 cases across all five year groups have been reported. Due to regulations on close contact nearly 600 pupils are now isolating for ten days. Parents have been allowed to pick up boarders and overseas students are being encouraged to fly home early for the holidays after isolation. Sadly all major end of term events such as sports day and the Leavers’ Ball have been cancelled.

Mike Sandys, Rutland’s Director of Public Health says that although the outbreak is well contained within Uppingham School, it demonstrates the rapid spread of the latest variant:

“Throughout the country and in Rutland as well, if you’re looking at those age groups which are most affected, it’s the 10 to 19 year olds” says Mike, “Half the cases in Rutland are in that 10-19 age group with the other half being the 20-29 year olds. Currently there is nobody in Rutland with Covid above 30 years old.”

There has been no data, as yet, regarding any hospitalisations due to the outbreak at Uppingham. The scientific community generally agrees, however, that these younger age groups have a much lower hospital admission rate per 100,000 people than older age groups.