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Caerphilly Secondary School Closes for 'Firebreak' After Flu-Like Outbreak Sickens 250+

The school set a brief firebreak to curb transmission, implementing a deep clean with remote learning before a planned 9 December reopening.

Overview

  • St Martin's School reported 242 pupils and 12 staff with gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms including fever, cough, vomiting and diarrhoea.
  • Headteacher Lee Jarvis told families the closure follows the school's internal risk assessment after consulting Public Health Wales.
  • Remote learning is in place during the shutdown and the head said the closure could be extended if needed.
  • Parents were urged not to send in children with any symptoms, even if mild, as the average recovery time has been about seven days.
  • The cases are described as flu-like without a confirmed cause, as officials nationally warn of an unusually early and intense A(H3N2) flu season.