A SCHOOL in Somerset has shut for a coronavirus deep clean after reporting that a pupil had showed had been showing symptoms of the deadly illness.

Maiden Beech Academy, in Crewkerne, has closed its doors while a deep clean takes place across the site.

While the pupil and his family are yet to be tested for Covid-19, NHS doctors believe there is an '80 per cent chance' that they have the virus.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Carl Winch said: "I have spoken to Public Health England (PHE), following government guidance to educational settings, and they have advised that the school is deep cleaned to prevent further contamination."

Last year, Maiden Beech Academy joined the Bridgwater and Taunton College Trust.

Mr Winch added: ""I have also liaised with Peter Elliott (trust chief executive) and colleagues at BTCT, and we feel that the best way to manage the clean is to close the school to all pupils and staff tomorrow, so this can be facilitated.

"We plan to reopen on Thursday, March 19, unless advised otherwise."

UPDATE: Maiden Beech Academy will now be closed until Monday, March 23

The school also advised that anyone showing symptoms of fever and/or cough should now self-isolate for 14 days and the family should also self-isolate.

Mr Winch said: " Please inform us on day 1 and we will agree the date of day 14 for us to make contact and receive an update.  You do not need to contact us every day if absence is due to COVID-19 symptoms.

"It is also important to remember that symptoms do not automatically mean someone has the Coronavirus and only those with severe symptoms will be tested.

"Most will have mild symptoms only and will recover within 7 days but the impact on the most vulnerable can be far more significant.

"Public Health England and the NHS both have very clear guidance on their websites."

The school has also postponed assemblies until further notice, cancelled Year 7 parents' evenings which had been due to take palce on March 23 and 24, and suspended out of hours supervision.

"Parents will need to make alternative provision for the foreseeable future; therefore, no children should be in school before 8.30am," Mr Winch added.

"I thank you once again for your patience and support in this ever changing situation and ask that we all take our social responsibilities seriously by following the advice as it is issued by the Government."