A Carlisle secondary school teacher has been confirmed to have coronavirus.

It has been confirmed this morning that a Trinity School teacher has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.

Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, explained that the teacher had recently returned from Milan in northern Italy.

“The teacher returned from Milan before the city was identified as a risk area, so has followed guidance appropriately and done absolutely nothing wrong in terms of being back in the school,” Mr Cox said.

Mr Cox stressed that there was currently no indication that students need to stay away from Trinity School.

“For the majority of pupils there is no indication of increased risk. Pupils who have been directly taught by the teacher are being advised about the symptoms so they can monitor themselves,” he said.

“We’ve been working closely with the headteacher of Trinity School and her senior management team.”

Trinity School’s headteacher, Jo Hawkin, informed students, parents and staff of the situation this morning.

Symptoms of coronavirus are a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath – though having these symptoms does not mean a diagnosis is certain, as they can also be symptoms of a common cold or flu.

Government advice for avoiding coronavirus includes regular hand washing – for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water or hand sanitiser.

It is also advised that people do not touch their eyes, nose or mouth without clean hands.